ENGLEWOOD -- Von Miller's rebound season is likely over before it begins.
According to sources, the Broncos star outside linebacker suffered a serious ankle injury at the end of Tuesday's practice. Miller underwent an MRI and consulted with renowned foot and ankle surgeon doctor Robert Anderson.
Per a source late Tuesday , Miller is facing season-ending surgery after damaging an ankle tendon. He will likely get a second opinion before an operation. As one teammate told Denver7, "It's just crazy."
It is definitely a devastating blow to a Broncos' defense already dealing with outside linebacker Bradley Chubb's sore left knee that could limit his plays early in the season. For Miller, the timing is awful. He has no more guaranteed money remaining on his contract unless the club exercises an option for 2021.
News of the injury siphoned optimism about the Broncos starting fast and ending their four-year playoff drought. Miller has been one of the Broncos' most durable players, playing at least 15 games per season eight times in nine years.
Miller, 31, aimed to returned to greatness this year after posting eight sacks last season, his lowest total since tearing his ACL during the 2013 season. Miller caught COVID-19 early in the offseason, forcing sobering self-awareness and reflection. He added weight and muscle this offseason, strength that translated in practice as he dominated in training camp. There were multiple days I counted him delivering five sacks.
Miller also promised to become a more assertive leader, saying he was inspired by Kobe Bryant and Michael Jordan. He was more demonstrative in camp, and made a point to be the first one in line for every individual drill, a stark departure from previous training camps.
The second overall pick in the 2011 draft, Miller is on track to reach the Hall of Fame, highlighted by his MVP performance in Super Bowl 50. With Miller sidelined, the Broncos will lean on Chubb, when healthy, second-year pro Malik Reed and veteran Jeremiah Attaochu.
They will look to add depth with a veteran signing. Rookie Derrek Tuszka is on the practice squad, and could be promoted, but Fangio said last week he needs to add strength.
Miller's accomplishments in Denver are breathtaking. He has made eight Pro Bowls, tied with John Elway for most in franchise history. He is the Broncos' career sacks leader with 106, and was the sixth fastest to reach 100 in the NFL. Miller owns seven 10-sack seasons, and no one has more sacks since he entered the league in 2011.
850 KOA was first to report the news of Miller's injury.
