ORCHARD PARK, N.Y. (AP) — The last thing Von Miller wanted to discuss upon returning to practice on Wednesday was the reason behind his absence — a four-game NFL suspension for violating the league’s personal conduct policy.
Except to say he carried no grudge against the NFL, Miller declined to say whether he was surprised by the discipline or considered appealing it.
“I’m in a great spot. I’m just happy all of that stuff is behind me,” said Miller, who joined the AFC East-leading Bills for their preparations for Sunday’s matchup with the Dolphins. “I really don’t even have to touch on any of that stuff any more.”
Miller was referring to what happened 11 months ago when he turned himself in to police in suburban Dallas after being accused of assaulting his pregnant girlfriend, who is also the mother of two of his children.
Miller previously disputed the allegations by calling them false and blown out of proportion. With no charges filed, Miller opened training camp in July by saying he considered the case closed based on feedback from his attorneys.
The lack of charges didn’t prevent the NFL from disciplining Miller based on its own investigation. A person with direct knowledge of the decision told The Associated Press the suspension was directly connected to the complaint made against the player. The person spoke on condition of anonymity because the league has not revealed why the player was disciplined.
Miller said he feels refreshed from the time off. He said he spent the first two weeks with his father, family and children in Texas before returning to the Bills facility, where he was allowed to work out individually and attend team meetings.
The 35-year-old is eager to pick up where he left off in building on the self-confidence he generated with three sacks in four games to increase his NFL active-leading total to 126 1/2. The production was encouraging for Miller after he failed to get a sack in 14 games, including playoffs, last year while still recovering from right knee surgery.
“For me it was just being able to prove it to myself,” Miller said.
“To come back and really start this thing over again, I got huge belief in my game and what I can do and what I can contribute to this team. And that’s where I’m putting on my focus,” he added. “There’s really nothing negative on my side. I have all opportunities in the world to go out and achieve all my goals.”
Buffalo’s defense has proven resilient despite missing several regulars, and it’s coming off its best statistical outing in numerous categories following a 31-10 win at Seattle. Buffalo (6-2) allowed season lows in yards (233) and yards rushing (32), and Seattle converted 1 of 7 third-down opportunities.
Buffalo’s sack production dropped in Miller’s absence. The team combined for eight sacks in its past four games, after totaling 12 in its first four.
“It’s getting a Hall of Famer back,” edge rusher Greg Rousseau said of Miller’s return. “There’s nothing better than that. So we’re all excited.”
Coordinator Bobby Babich expressed confidence Miller will seamlessly step back into his specialized role in taking the field mostly in passing situations.
“I don’t think we’ll skip a beat,” Babich said. “Obviously, the more effective pass rushers you can have, the better off you’re going to be.”
Another benefit for Miller was the chance to further strengthen his surgically repaired knee, while also healing any aches and pains he experienced from the first four weeks of the season.
“It’s just like I’m starting the season all over again and I’m ready to roll,” he said.
Miller reiterated that he is placing his focus on the future when asked about his reaction to being informed of the suspension following a 35-10 loss at Baltimore. It was an outing in which he played a season-low nine snaps because the Ravens had little reason to pass once the score got out of hand.
“I’m just grateful to be here and appreciative to be here, the Buffalo Bills, and coming back to a really good team,” Miller said. “All I have to do is just do my part and nothing more, nothing less. And all the other stuff is behind me. And I can just focus on football and playing the best football I could possibly play.”
NOTES: Recently acquired WR Amari Cooper was limited in practice due to a wrist injury. … Starting LB Terrel Bernard (ankle/pectoral) and WR Curtis Samuel (pectoral) also were limited in returning to practice after sitting out on Sunday.
