AFC Notes: Broncos, Chargers, Raiders

Broncos

Broncos LB Von Miller said he is “optimistic” that he will be able to play in December after undergoing surgery last month to repair a dislocated peroneal tendon. 

“I’m optimistic,” said Miller, via Ryan O’Halloran of the Denver Post. “I’ve been through the ACL surgery (in 2013) and this rehab is nothing like that rehab. I’m trying to stay in the present and stack days and when December comes around, see where I’m at. If I can play, I’m going to play. If it’s not healthy and it’s ridiculous to play, then I won’t play.”

Regarding his dislocated tendon, Miller recounts being worried that he sustained an Achilles injury until noticing his peroneal tendon in his ankle. 

“I knew it was something different,” said Miller. “It felt like somebody stepped on my ankle and that’s what guys who tore their Achilles said tearing that felt like. I felt my Achilles right when it happened and that felt normal. I continued to walk and when I took the next step, the side of my ankle was so painful, I had to sit down. I took my cleat off and felt the peroneal tendon on the side of my ankle and I knew it was something serious. But I didn’t think I would need surgery but then the MRI (showed) I had dislocated the tendon.”

Miller said he would like to retire with the Broncos and be a one-franchise player similar to Rod Smith, John Elway and Terrell Davis. 

“I have totally bought into being a Coloradoan for life, let alone a Denver Bronco,” Miller said. “I see Rod Smith here, I see John Elway here every day and Terrell Davis and all of the other greats and that’s what I want — I want to be here forever through the thick, the thin, the Super Bowl seasons, the losing seasons. I know how the NFL works — 31 years old and been in the league for 10 years, but if I had a choice, I would want to be here and be the same Von I was and the same Von I was going to be this season. But things happen and life makes sudden changes all the time, but if it was in Von’s hands, I would be here for the rest of my life.”

• NFL Media’s James Palmer says that while Broncos QB Drew Lock has returned to throwing in individual drills, the team wants to make sure he can protect himself which means it’s leaning towards sitting him in Week 5 against the Patriots. 
• Broncos LT Garett Bolles has benefited tremendously from the league cutting down on holding penalties and has played well the first four games for Denver, which puts the possibility of a new contract on the table per GM John Elway: “It’s great to see what he’s done…really doing a nice job…hopefully, he can continue to play like he’s been playing, get 12 [more] good games out of him and we’ll revisit it at the end of the year.” (Brandon Krisztal)

Chargers

• According to ESPN’s Adam Schefter, Chargers RB Austin Ekeler‘s second opinion confirmed he did not need surgery and he’s looking at four to six weeks of rehab for his hamstring injury.
• Chargers HC Anthony Lynn said Ekeler is out for Monday night’s game but they haven’t made a decision on injured reserve yet. Chargers WR Mike Williams is also slowly working back in. (Gilbert Manzano)
• As for the decision to turn to first-round QB Justin Herbert as the starter for the rest of the season ahead of veteran QB Tyrod Taylor, Lynn said he looked at the total package for making the decision: “I like the way he handles the huddle and how his teammates respond to him.” (Manzano)
• If Taylor is healthy, Lynn says he’ll serve as Herbert’s backup this week against the Saints. (Manzano)

Raiders

• Per ESPN’s Paul Gutierrez, Raiders OC Greg Olson said it was huge for the team to get RT Trent Brown back to practice this week: “It’s a big lift for the offense to have a starter of his quality and caliber of player..he’s had a good week.”