Von Miller Injury: Broncos Must Be Cautious with Star LB vs. Vikings

The Denver Broncos and their fans have to be holding their breath with this latest news. 

Vic Lombardi is reporting via Twitter that the Broncos LB broke his thumb on Sunday. He later reported that it was ligament damage, and not a break.

Somewhat lost in Tim Tebow's 5-1 record is how well the defense has played. Sure, the team allowed 45 points to the Lions in a rout last month (Detroit's defense scored two touchdowns) and 24 points in a win over the Raiders the following week, but the defense has been stellar through this resurgence.

They allowed 15 points to the Dolphins, 10 to the Chiefs and 13 to the Jets and Chargers. That's significant, as every one of those games was won by a touchdown or less. If the defense wasn't playing so well, Tebow's heroics in the fourth quarter would be completely irrelevant.

As for Miller, specifically, he has 5.5 sacks in the Broncos' 5-1 run and four in the last three games. The numbers speak for themselves. He's been as vital to the Denver run as any player on the team.

This week, the Broncos are in a game that really favors them. Although they are in Minnesota, the Vikings are in a terrible struggle. Additionally, they will either be without Adrian Peterson or will have Peterson's services limited. 

If Lombardi's second report is in fact true—and it is just ligament damage—the Broncos are fine in playing Miller. What's more, if he's not seriously risking greater injury, Miller is a good play. 

However, if there's any doubt and if a week of rest would heal that doubt, Miller needs to ride the bench in this one. 

If nothing else, note the next two games on Denver's schedule.

Dec. 11	vs. Chicago
Dec. 18	vs. New England

The Broncos can beat the Vikings without Miller. They have no chance against the Bears and Patriots without him at full health. 

This is a matter of cutting losses. If there is any doubt as to how healthy Miller will be on Sunday, he's best served on the bench.

They are now a contending team. They can be a contending team in Week 13 without Miller. When Week 14 and Week 15 roll around, Miller's best will be needed.

If doing anything in Week 13 puts him at even a slight risk for 14 and 15, then he needs to watch the game vs. the Vikings from the sidelines.