Von Miller has remained healthy this season, but he will be absent from the Bills for a notable stretch. The All-Pro edge rusher has been an issued a four-game suspension for violating the NFL’s personal conduct policy, per a league announcement.
Miller was arrested last December on a domestic violence charge. The 35-year-old – who faced a third-degree felony charge – denied the allegations during his first public remarks on the matter, calling them “100% false.” A league investigation into the matter took place, and in March commissioner Roger Goodell said a suspension “was not appropriate based on the facts.” The incident remained under league review after that point, however.
It is possible further investigation has now led to a ban, although the NFL did not specify which incident led to today’s suspension. Miller was not placed on the commissioner’s exempt list ahead of the campaign, something which is common in cases of domestic violence. The three-time All-Pro appeared in all four of Buffalo’s games this season, albeit in a rotational capacity. Miller has logged a snap share of 35%, which is roughly in line with his usage from a 2023 campaign in which his effectiveness was hindered by his ACL recovery.
Miller was one of many Bills whose contracts was restructured this offseason. As a result of that move, no guaranteed salary remains on his pact beyond 2024. The two-time Super Bowl champion’s value took a nosedive in 2023 when he was held without a sack. His debut Buffalo campaign included eight sacks in 11 games, though, so expectations were high for a rebound provided he remained healthy. Miller has notched three sacks this season.
In his absence, the Bills will move forward with the likes of Gregory Rousseau, A.J. Epenesa, Dawuane Smoot and Javon Solomon along the edge. The team sits at 3-1 on the year but a defense which has been dealing with several impactful injuries has now lost another contributor for one month.