Von Miller could be suspended six games for violating the NFL's substance abuse policy. Miller is hoping he can have the suspension reduced through appeal, but the penalty means the Denver Broncos will need to find pass-rushing answers to start the 2013 season,
NFL news roundup: Von Miller facing suspension, 49ers and Chiefs trade wide receivers
One of the NFL’s top defensive players could miss the beginning of the 2013 season. Here’s a full look at the top news around the league on Monday.
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James Dator has been covering a wide range of sports for SB Nation for over a decade, with a special focus on the NFL.
Shaun Phillips will fill the role at linebacker in Miller's absence. He had a solid 2012 season with the San Diego Chargers where he finished with 9.5 sacks, but that doesn't diminish the loss of Miller, which makes the beginning of the season extremely difficult for Denver.
It's rare to hear about a player trade midway through preseason, but that happened Monday as San Francisco and Kansas City elected to move wide receivers. Jon Baldwin is now with the 49ers, while 2012 first-round pick A.J. Jenkins joins the Chiefs.
Neither player was making a mark with their respective team. Reports out of Chiefs’ camp indicated that Baldwin was struggling with the playbook, and showed poor hands, while Jenkins was getting poor reviews. The trade represents an understanding by both team’s front offices that it’s better to get something rather than nothing. Both Baldwin and Jenkins could have been cut before the season.
The Pittsburgh Steelers will get to see their second-round pick Monday night, as the Steelers play the Washington Redskins in preseason. Bell had been sidelined with a left knee injury, which he aggravated in training camp two days ago. The injury wasn't serious enough to delay a chance to see the running back since he first rose to the top of the depth chart in training camp.
The hits keep on coming for the Denver Broncos, as it was announced that middle linebacker Stewart Bradley will miss the beginning of the regular season following wrist surgery. As a result Denver will be without two of their starting linebackers, when paired with Von Miller's suspension.
Bradley appeared to have won the battle in camp from Nate Irving, who will now take over the role by default. Irving amassed nine tackles in two preseason games, forcing a fumble against the San Francisco 49ers.
It's "not realistic" New England Patriots' tight end Rob Gronkowski will be ready to play in week one of the regular season. Sources indicated that late September was a reasonable timetable for return, which appears to be the current plan.
The Patriots are attempting to retool their offense without Wes Welker and Aaron Hernandez. Danny Amendola has had an excellent preseason as he attempts to take on Welker's role, but the Patriots need to get Gronkowski back for their red zone offense.
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