Broncos starters Von Miller and Montee Ball are expected to make their 2014 preseason debuts Saturday.

Miller, the Broncos’ strongside linebacker who has 35 sacks through his first three NFL seasons, has been sidelined since tearing the ACL in his right knee early in a game Dec. 22 at Houston. His return will be against those same Houston Texans, the Broncos’ opponent in the preseason game Saturday night at Sports Authority Field at Mile High.

The Broncos and Texans held three joint practices this week at Dove Valley.

“I’ve had a lot of practice at full speed,” Miller said. “And with all the practicing here with the Texans, I think it will help make the game seem a little easier. I’m excited.”

Ball, the Broncos’ top tailback, has been out since undergoing an appendectomy Aug. 4. He did little physically for two weeks, then was medically cleared for full practice participation Monday.

Still, the Broncos held him back from 11-on-11 team drills until Thursday, when he received reps and carries with Peyton Manning’s first-team offense.

“Heeeees baaaaaccckkk!” Ball tweeted Thursday afternoon.

Defensive tackle Kevin Vickerson, who has been out since suffering a dislocated hip in the Nov. 24 game at New England, is also expected to get his first preseason snaps Saturday.

Emmanuel Sanders, a starting receiver who missed the Broncos’ preseason game Sunday against the San Francisco 49ers with a strained quad, also is expected to play. The only projected Broncos starter not expected to play against Houston is cornerback Chris Harris, who is in the final stages of rehab from his torn ACL injury.

Clady test. There should be no uncertainty in where Broncos left tackle Ryan Clady stands in his recovery from last season’s Lisfranc injury after he matched up against two of the NFL’s premier pass rushers in a three-day span — San Francisco’s Aldon Smith in a preseason game Sunday and Houston rookie Jadeveon Clowney in practice Tuesday.

“I’m definitely feeling a little more comfortable,” said Clady, who had been sidelined since suffering his foot injury in Game 2 last season. “There’s a lot of technique in order to play left tackle. It’s not something you can just jump into after taking some time off.”

Bag policy. Judging by all the items held back at the Sports Authority Field gates during the Broncos’ annual summer scrimmage three weeks ago, fans forgot about the bag restrictions that went into effect last year at all NFL stadiums.

As a reminder, fans can either bring in one clear bag no larger than 12 inches by 6 inches by 12 inches or a one-gallon freezer bag. Fans can also carry in a small clutch bag or purse no larger than 6½ inches by 4½ inches.