Bills react to Von Miller’s suspension

ROCHESTER, N.Y. (WROC) — With the announcement of Von Miller’s four-game suspension on Tuesday afternoon, the Bills have been preparing for Sunday’s game against the Texans without one of their leading edge rushers.

Miller has contributed three sacks and three tackles for loss so far this season, and according to head coach Sean McDermott, “there is no replacing Von Miller.”

Despite the absence of Miller, McDermott is confident in those behind him to make an impact in the next several weeks.

“We respect the decision made by the league, and really, it’s out of our control,” McDermott said. “What we need to focus on is, it’s an opportunity for someone on our football team to step up.”

Among players who will likely see more snaps due to Miller’s suspension is AJ Epenesa. So far this year, the edge rusher has totaled seven tackles with a sack.

Following Wednesday’s practice, Epenesa expressed his concern for Miller and attested to his character as a teammate.

“Just more so surprised, my initial reaction was just kind of concern, hoping that the man’s okay,” Epenesa said. “Everyone just sees the same message, they see the message and the suspension, but I think I speak for the room, we know him as a man and we know him as a person. I just hope whatever he’s going through, he’s alright.”

Terrel Bernard also spoke on the news of the suspension, expressing a mindset of moving forward and preparing for this week’s game against Houston, who also comes into the game with a 3-1 record.

“It’s tough, but we can’t control any of that. So we’ll support him in whatever he’s got going on right now, but for us, we’re focused on trying to get as prepared as we can to go in and play a really good Houston team,” Bernard said.

While Miller’s presence will be missed on defense against the Texans, the Bills understand the importance of the opportunities now given to the next ones up. Taron Johnson, who has seen the impact of the reserves as he has been out with an injury since Week 1, spoke on the confidence he has in his teammates.

“We’re going to miss him, but we’ve got guys that have made a ton of plays that are going to get more opportunities,” Johnson said “So it’s tough, we’re going to be talking to him this whole time, but just making the sure the guys who are behind him step up, and they will.”

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