Chicago Bears tight end Zach Miller reportedly underwent successful emergency surgery last night, and vascular surgeons at University Medical Center New Orleans were able to stabilize his injury, which was diagnosed as a torn popliteal artery, according to a team statement.
According to ESPN's Chris Mortensen, Miller underwent an MRI on Monday, as doctors evaluated the blood flow and overall anatomy of his leg, although it was not clear whether amputation was ever considered.
The 33-year old veteran tight end dislocated his left knee and damaged an artery in his leg while catching an over the shoulder touchdown pass in the endzone during Sunday's loss to the New Orleans Saints. The dislocated knee proved to be "more significant" than a regular dislocation and vascular surgeons had to be called in to help repair Miller's leg, which includes grafting tissue from his right leg to repair the damaged artery.
Due to the severity of the injury, Miller was in danger of losing his leg though today's statement from the Chicago Bears seems to suggest he'll make a recovery. He will remain at the University Medical Center New Orleans along with Bears medical personnel for further evaluation.
Per the Chicago Bears,
"During our game at the New Orleans Saints yesterday, TE Zach Miller sustained a serious injury to his left knee and immediate evaluation from our medical team on site rushed him to nearby University Medical Center New Orleans (UMC) for urgent vascular surgery to repair a torn popliteal artery. Successful surgery was performed immediately on Sunday by the UMC vascular surgeons to stabilize his injury. Zach remains at UMC, along with Bears medical personnel, where he will stay under further evaluation. We are thinking of Zach and his family and support from our entire organization goes out to them."
This was Miller's 8th season in the NFL. He was a sixth-round pick of the Jaguars in the 2009 NFL Draft, but joined the Bears before the 2015 season. For his career, he has 146 receptions for 1,631 yards and 15 touchdowns.
The Bears, 3-5, have a bye this week before returning to the field in Week 10 for a matchup against the Green Bay Packers at home.
