Von Miller says he'll test out injured knee Sunday

ENGLEWOOD, Colo. (AP) —

Von Miller said Friday he will test his injured left knee before the Denver Broncos' game at Houston to see if he'll be able to start a new streak.

He sat out last week against the Chargers, ending a 95-game starting streak that dated to the 2014 opener.

Miller said he's two weeks into what doctors said was a three-week recovery from a sprained left MCL. He had a similar injury last year but the bye week came right when it was at its worst, so he didn't miss any action.

Miller also said he won't need offseason surgery, just rest.

The injury occurred when teammate Jeremiah Attaochu ran into him just as he was about to sack Bills quarterback Josh Allen two weeks ago.

Miller practiced just one day last week but practiced all of this week, albeit on a limited basis. He's officially listed as 50-50 for the game Sunday in Houston (8-4) when rookie Drew Lock makes his first road start for the Broncos (4-8).

"I think he's much better than he was last week," coach Vic Fangio said of Miller, adding that he won't hold back his star linebacker as a precaution with the Broncos all but eliminated from playoff contention. "No, if he's good, he's going."

Ruled out for the game was Ron Leary, who is still in concussion protocol. He'll be replaced by Austin Schlottman, who subbed for Leary after he was knocked from last week's game.

Fangio also said right tackle Ja'Wuan James (knee) was questionable after a second week of full practices. James has only played 32 snaps this season after signing a free agent contract that included $32 million in guarantees.

Fangio has been cautious about playing James even though he's been cleared medically.

"I just don't want to put him out there if he's not going to play well," Fangio said. "We'll see how he shows up tomorrow and Sunday."

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