Bears TE Zach Miller Undergoes Successful Vascular Surgery To Save Left Leg

By Chris Emma--

(CBS) Bears tight end Zach Miller underwent what the team called a "successful" vascular surgical procedure on his left leg in New Orleans on Sunday night after a gruesome injury suffered earlier in the day in a loss to the Saints.

Miller's surgery was to repair a torn popliteal artery in his left leg. He remains under evaluation in a New Orleans hospital under the supervision of a vascular team and Bears medical personnel. Miller will now undergo an MRI to determine the blood flow and anatomy of his leg, according to ESPN's Chris Mortensen, who earlier reported that Miller was in danger of losing his left leg due to the torn artery.

Miller suffered what coach John Fox initially called a dislocated left knee in the third quarter of a 20-12 loss to the Saints on Sunday. He leaped in the air attempting to haul in a touchdown, but his left leg bent awkwardly as he hit the ground. The ball fell from his possession as he settled on the turf, a video review concluded, overturning the initial ruling of a touchdown catch. Miller was carted off the field and brought to a local hospital.

The injury to Miller compares to that of Vikings quarterback Teddy Bridgewater, who was also in danger of losing his leg after a knee injury suffered in August 2016. After a long recovery, Bridgewater could return in the coming weeks.

For Miller, a 33-year-old husband and father, the concern is saving a quality of life first before an NFL career. Further updates will be provided later Monday. Fox will speak to the media Monday afternoon at Halas Hall.

Chris Emma covers the Bears, Chicago's sports scene and more for CBSChicago.com. Follow him on Twitter @CEmma670 and like his Facebook page.