Miller itching for live snaps

Linebacker was held out of first preseason game vs. Vikings

Von Miller kept his typical game day routine for the Broncos’ preseason opener Saturday night.

A full night’s rest. A light morning regimen to “get the engine revved up.” And, of course, coordinating important details with teammates.

Such as?

“Me and (Bradley) Chubb, we talked about socks before the game,” Miller said.

But Broncos Country had to wait for the edge-rusher fashion show at Mile High after a lastminute change favored caution over communication.

Miller told 9News at halftime that he completed pregame warm-ups before “a call came from upstairs that I wasn’t going to play.”

Coach Vance Joseph responded postgame: “He’s a guy who we can’t lose, so we didn’t play him — simple as that.”

As for defensive coordinator Joe Woods? “That’s above my pay grade,” he said this week when asked why Miller sat.

Ask Miller and it’s a nonstory. He prepares the same way before every preseason game, and “If the coaches say I’m not going to play, I’m not going to play,” he said.

He enters his eighth NFL season with a body of work that would allow for some extra August rest.

Miller clarified he was not “upset” to be held out Saturday, but it has now been 200 days since Miller last suited up for a game (the Pro Bowl).

He’s itching to get back on the field.

“It’s funny, because some guys would be like, ‘Perfect, I don’t need to play today,’ ” linebacker Shane Ray said. “Von is like, ‘I was ready to play.’ He always wants to go out and get better.”

Miller’s disappointment from sitting also stemmed from a missed opportunity to play alongside some prominent defensive rookies, such as Chubb, for the first time during live-game snaps.

“With the rookies, it’s a hard deal to get those guys right,” Miller said. “So I was getting Chubb

right and the other rookies right.”

Neither Denver’s coaching staff nor Miller could provide a definitive answer about whether he’ll play Saturday against Chicago.

One thing is certain: Miller will be ready if called.

“He’s the definition of a pro,” Ray said. “He takes care of his body and his eat- ing habits on the regular. When it comes down to meetings, you know a guy is on a different level when he’s pointing out things that not everybody can see. Von’s looking at film and talking about hands or contact — he’s a player and a coach in himself.

“I’ve got so much respect for him. I see that as a player I try to chase every day.”