Denver Broncos: Von Miller Returns to Practice, Hopes to Play Sunday

Denver Broncos rookie outside linebacker Von Miller returned to practice today after undergoing successful surgery to repair his injured right thumb. Miller said he hopes to play Sunday in Denver when his Broncos host the ailing Chicago Bears.

Miller will practice and play with a thick cast on his right hand. The only thing that really means is that the rookie pass-rushing stud will have one more weapon at his disposal when his team meets their opponents.

Before missing the team's last game, Miller was thought to be close to locking up the NFL Defensive POY award. 

But while he was away, San Francisco 49ers rookie outside linebacker Aldon Smith used his skills to demolish the St. Louis Rams offensive line and came away with two sacks. This gives Smith 9.5 sacks on the season, putting him only one behind Miller.

I know that the players only really care about winning, but I'm interested to see which young stud pass-rusher comes away with this prestigious award.

Both teams will be counting on their rookies to come through in the clutch. 

Regardless of whether or not Miller wins the Defensive POY award, the Broncos need to keep winning to keep their playoff hopes alive. 

It remains to be seen whether not having one of his hands will adversely affect Miller in the running game and when he needs to defend a pass.

Last week, his backup, Mario Haggan took an ill-advised Matt Moore pass to the house for a pick-six. I wonder if Miller would be able to do the same?

The Broncos won't bother worrying about that, though. Miller is clearly one of the best pass-rushers in the NFL.