Report: Broncos CB K'Waun Williams Undergoing Ankle Surgery

Denver Broncos starting nickelback K'Waun Williams is slated to miss significant time after undergoing ankle surgery in North Carolina on Monday, 9NEWS' Mike Klis reports.

"No decision yet on whether he will go on short-term IR or season-ending IR," Klis added.

According to the Denver Post's Parker Gabriel, it "sounds" as if Williams will face a recovery period of six to eight weeks, which would leave him on short-term injured reserve before potentially returning in the second half of the season.

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This situation is more than a little perplexing. Williams, who hasn't practiced since Aug. 7, recently received a second opinion on his bum ankle that recommended rest and rehab — not surgical intervention — with an eye toward playing in the Sept. 10 regular-season opener against Las Vegas.

The Broncos have been mum on Williams' status, though the Denver Post's Ryan McFadden reported Monday that he required a "clean-up procedure."

Injuries, unfortunately, are nothing new for Williams, a ninth-year vet who's yet to complete a full NFL campaign. The former 49ers standout missed three games last season with torn ligaments in his wrist and hand.

Quietly one of Denver's top defensive players, Williams, 32, still managed 30 solo tackles, seven pass deflections, and one interception, grading out as Pro Football Focus' No. 44 CB among 118 qualifiers.

With Williams down, the Broncos will turn to Essang Bassey as its primary slot corner, flanking Patrick Surtain II and Damarri Mathis. Bassey is coming off a terrific preseason in which he recorded three interceptions and four pass deflections.

“It feels really good to get in the groove and get in the habit of making plays," Bassey said following Denver's victory over the Rams on Saturday. "They kind of come in bunches at times, and I feel that’s what’s been happening with me. I’m just hoping it carries momentum from the preseason into regular season.”

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