Von Miller says ‘protected wager’ he’ll make season debut for Payments in opposition to Jaguars in London

WARE, England (AP) — Buffalo Payments edge rusher Von Miller says it’s a “protected wager” that he’ll make his season debut in opposition to the Jacksonville Jaguars on Sunday.

Miller, who sustained a knee harm final November, mentioned Friday there’s a “94.5 %” probability of him suiting up at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium. His official standing for the sport was listed as questionable on Friday’s harm report.

“I’m excited to play American soccer in entrance this crowd,” mentioned Miller, the NFL’s energetic chief in sacks.

Miller’s return — even on a restricted foundation — might present a lift for coach Sean McDermott’s protection after finish Greg Rousseau was dominated out Friday due to a foot harm.

McDermott had earlier mentioned it was “in the future at a time” with Miller, however the 13-year veteran was way more optimistic in a session with reporters that included him voicing numerous accents he’s encountered in his prior visits to the nation.

“It’s been a protracted highway to restoration,” he mentioned. “I’ve had two actually good practices. Had a very good observe in the present day. I believe it’s a protected wager that I’ll be on the market.”

Miller envisions enjoying “a few snaps and attempt to contribute,” which probably would are available in Third-and-long or apparent go conditions.

“I’ve a lot respect for this sport. You simply can’t soar proper in. I count on to only put my toe in somewhat bit after which work my approach out to the deep finish and begin swimming,” Miller mentioned. “I’m positive it can take a while for me to get the place I need to be.”

The Payments protection is “enjoying lights out,” he added. “I’m not coming in to save lots of the workforce or something like that.”

Miller returned to observe this week for the primary time in over 10 months. He tore a ligament and sustained cartilage harm in his proper knee throughout a win at Detroit final Thanksgiving Day.

Below NFL guidelines, Miller opened a three-week window wherein he’s allowed to observe earlier than he’s required to be activated or returned to the injured checklist.

Rousseau had two sacks in Buffalo’s 48-20 win over the Miami Dolphins however hasn’t practiced this week. He has three sacks on the season and one compelled fumble.

The Payments arrived within the British capital on Friday.

STAY AWAKE

Payments quarterback Josh Allen mentioned he’s “not a espresso man” however indulged as a result of he was making an attempt to get adjusted after an in a single day flight.

“I’m caffeined out proper now, sweating somewhat bit,” Allen mentioned after the workforce’s walk-through observe on the grounds of The Grove resort north of London. “Our guys are telling us to remain up in the present day.”

Allen mentioned he didn’t sleep a lot on the flight.

“I’m drained proper now,” he mentioned. “We’ve been listening to our sports activities science employees that’s in-house and trusting what they’re saying, and simply making an attempt to ensure that our physique clocks are aligned to the time zone right here.”

The Jags have been on the town for every week as a part of their back-to-back video games in London — a primary for an NFL workforce.

McDermott this week has recommended that’s a bonus for Jacksonville, and he took one other jab on Friday when requested if the Payments really feel prefer it’s a “residence” recreation — which it’s, technically.

“These are the issues we are able to’t management, the variety of video games they performed right here, their consolation stage, them being right here a full week forward of us or so, week-and-a-half possibly,” he mentioned. “We concentrate on the issues that we are able to management.”

Extensive receiver Stefon Diggs mentioned he doesn’t want a lot shut-eye.

“I’m tremendous, I’m able to go,” he mentioned. “I might play proper now if I needed to.”