The Broncos will enter the playoffs without one of their top defenders.
Linebacker Von Miller, who left Sunday’s win over Houston with a knee injury, has been diagnosed with a torn ACL and will miss the remainder of the season, according to multiple reports.
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Miller exited the game midway through the first quarter when his left knee buckled as he attempted to fight through a block. He did not return.
“There’s always some concern when your teammate goes down, especially a guy like Von, who’s really starting to click now,” Broncos cornerback Champ Bailey said after the game, according to the Denver Post. “It’s unfortunate, but hopefully it’s something minor and something he can come back from real quick.”
Unfortunately for the Broncos, the injury was not minor, as an MRI on Monday revealed that Miller had torn his ACL on the play.
Miller played in just nine games this season after earning Pro Bowl nods in each of his first two NFL campaigns, recording 33 tackles, five sacks and three forced fumbles. The Texas A&M product was suspended for the season’s first six games for violating the league’s substance abuse policy.
The Broncos, who have already locked up the AFC West, can clinch home-field advantage throughout the AFC playoffs with a win over Oakland on Sunday or a New England loss to Buffalo.
