Adrian Peterson tore his ACL in December 2011. Von Miller tore his ACL in December 2013. The Denver Broncos linebacker is acutely aware of this back story similarity.
Peterson came within nine yards of setting the NFL's all-time single-season rushing mark in his return from injury. A.P.'s incredible comeback sticks in Miller's mind when asked if his own knee injury has tempered expectations for a new season.
"It hasn't," Miller said Thursday, according to The Denver Post. "I'm looking at the Adrian Peterson story every single day. It's motivation for me. Not only Adrian Peterson but all those other guys you've never heard about coming off an ACL. I did a lot of research, a lot of reading into ACL surgery."
Everything has been positive in Miller's recovery process so far. He is participating full speed in individual and position drills and works to the side when the team does 11-on-11 work.
The next step in Miller's recovery comes in a few weeks, when the linebacker will be evaluated by Dr. James Andrews, the noted orthopedist who performed Miller's knee surgery. The plan is for Miller to get cleared for limited contact early in training camp and be ready for Week 1.
Miller, like Adrian Peterson, is a unique talent in this league. Selling him short in predictions about his return might not be a wise idea.
In the latest edition of the "Around The League Podcast," the guys debate the windows of Brady and Manning.
