Report: Broncos fear LB Nate Irving damaged ligaments in knee
The Denver Broncos fear that linebacker Nate Irving damaged ligaments in his knee against the New England Patriots on Sunday, TheDenver Post's Mike Klis reports.
Irving left the game in the second half after injuring his right knee and had to be carted off the field. He was seen on crutches after the game and had to be assisted when getting dressed.
The 26-year-old will have an MRI on Monday to determine the extent of his injury and how much time he will miss.
"I don't remember how it happened," Irving said to the Post as he hobbled out of the Gillette Stadium visitor's locker room on crutches. "Not a good break. Not a good day."
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Irving tweeted the following Sunday night:
Rookie Lamin Barrow replaced Irving at middle linebacker after he exited. Barrow or Steve Johnson could start in Irving's place next week against the Oakland Raiders.
Irving is in his first year as a starter for the Broncos and had 46 tackles and one sack this season. He was a third-round pick of Denver in the 2011 NFL draft.
Broncos receiver Wes Welkerwas also injured against New England and forced to leave the game. Welker has a back injury and his status is unknown.
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Denver fell to the Patriots 43-21 on Sunday in its most lopsided regular season loss since quarterback Peyton Manning joined the team in 2012. It marked the fourth straight season Denver lost to New England on the road.
The Broncos are now 6-2 this season and in first place in the AFC West.
- Ben Estes
