Broncos outside linebacker Von Miller's fast start to his comeback season was rewarded Thursday by being named AFC Defensive Player of the Month.

Coach Vic Fangio, having seen Miller rebound from season-ending ankle surgery a year ago, believes the award is an indication that "the guy's got a lot of years left, not just this year."

"He's well-deserving of the award, because he's played really well," Fangio said. "We're going to need to continue to have him play really well. I'm really happy for him to see this success, after having the tough injury last year."

Miller earned the award for the fourth time in his career, tying him with quarterback Peyton Manning and running back Terrell Davis for most conference players of the month in Broncos history. He also won the award in November 2012 (eight sacks), October '14 (seven sacks) and September '16 (four sacks).

The linebacker credited his September success to the team's 3-0 record, plus a focused mindset outside of Sundays.

"I stay off social media, I stay off Twitter, all that other (distracting) stuff," Miller said. "I come in and I stay in my groove — I spend more time at the facility, I spend more time with my family and my guys. That really simplifies stuff for me."

Entering Sunday's game against Baltimore, Miller's four sacks are tied for fourth in the NFL (second in the AFC) and his six tackles for lost yardage are tied for most in the league with Buffalo linebacker Matt Milano. In three games this year, per The Denver Post's game charting, Miller has 8 1/2 total "disruptions" (four sacks, two knockdowns and 2 1/2 pressures).

That certainly has the attention of Ravens coach John Harbaugh.

"When you look at the (Broncos') defense, you have to deal with a lot of things, but it starts with him," Harbaugh said. "He's the centerpiece. He's the game-wrecker. He has been for a long time."

Miller said Sunday's Week 4 home showdown against the Ravens (2-1) "is like a playoff game early in the season."

"That's been my message to these guys," Miller said. "It's time for us to show what we've got against a worthy opponent, and that's where our focus has been."

Injury updates. Right guard Graham Glasgow (knee) and left guard Dalton Risner (foot) didn't practice again Thursday and remain questionable for Sunday. Meanwhile in Baltimore, quarterback Lamar Jackson missed Wednesday and Thursday's practices with a back injury, but Fangio said he's counting on Jackson playing.

Defensive standouts

Here's a look at the Broncos who have won the AFC Defensive Player of the Month award:

Player Pos. Month
Rulon Jones DE October 1986
Dennis Smith S October 1989
Karl Mecklenberg LB November 1989
Simon Fletcher LB December 1991
Deltha O'Neal CB October 2001
Champ Bailey CB November 2005
Champ Bailey CB October 2006
Von Miller LB November 2012
Von Miller LB October 2014
DeMarcus Ware LB September 2015
Von Miller LB September 2016
Von Miller LB September 2021