AP

The Broncos could be forced to continue their playoff push without their star rookie linebacker.

Mike Klis of the Denver Post reports that Miller had thumb surgery Tuesday to repair torn ligaments in his thumb. He was hurt sometime in the fourth quarter of the 16-13 win over the Chargers, but insisted on returning to the game after getting the thumb taped. Miller dropped Ryan Mathews Mike Tolbert for a loss on a key third down play in overtime, setting up a longer field goal for Nick Novak that Novak wound up missing.

That kind of play has been par for the course for Miller this season. He’s been a big reason why the Broncos defense has turned things around from their poor performance in 2010 and he’s the leading contender for Rookie of the Year as a result. Losing him would be a huge blow for the Broncos, but his chances of playing sound pretty good at this point.

Per Jones, this kind of injury and operation would normally keep a player out at least a week. Miller has vowed to play and his ability to play with the injury last week bodes well for his chances. If Miller can’t play, Mario Haggan would start in his place.