Buffalo Bills LB Von Miller Eyes 'Gradual Progression' from Injury

The Buffalo Bills are excited to have Von Miller back after missing the first four games of the year recovering from his torn ACL.

Miller made his debut in Week 5 against the Jacksonville Jaguars playing in just seven snaps, but that number jumped up to 27 in the team's Week 6 win against the New York Giants.

"I think that's natural, right? That's the natural trend," coach Sean McDermott said via the team's website. "Knowing him, he'll probably be a little quicker than most than the trend. But it is a gradual progression."

The team desperately needs Miller to get up to full speed eventually, but the Bills can take it slow for the next few weeks. The team has winnable games against the New England Patriots and Tampa Bay Buccaneers before it has a playoff rematch against the Cincinnati Bengals on the road, a contest that could have postseason implications this year.

But ultimately, the goal for Miller is to be healthy by the stretch run and playoffs because the Bills need him if they want a shot to contend. The team has already lost DaQuan Jones, Matt Milano and Tre'Davious White to season-ending injuries and can't afford their big ticket free agent to go down with them.

The Bills lead the NFL in sacks with 24.0 through six weeks, but their ceiling only gets higher once Miller returns to full health.

Miller and the Bills are back in action on Sunday when they visit the Patriots at Gillette Stadium. Kickoff is scheduled for 1 p.m.