Denver, CO

Denver Broncos running back Willis McGahee will miss six to eight weeks after suffering a torn medial collateral ligament and a fracture in his right leg.

McGahee suffered the injury during the Broncos' 30-23 victory over the San Diego Chargers Sunday. The win improved the Broncos' record to 7-3, good for first place in the AFC West.

Doctors advised McGahee not to put any weight on his leg so as not to worsen the injury that needs no surgery. The rusher believes he can return in four to six weeks.

The rusher expressed optimism that the injury wasn't going to cost him time but an MRI revealed the extent of the damage.

Before the injury, McGahee has been enjoying a strong season in Denver, rushing for 731 yards on 167 carries and four touchdowns in 10 games

With McGahee sidelined, Ronnie Hillman is expected to handle the bulk of the carries for the Broncos.

The Buffalo Bills made McGahee the 23rd overall pick in the 2003 NFL Draft despite suffering one of the most gruesome knee injuries in recent memory during his final college game with the University of Miami.

He sat out his rookie season with Buffalo, but he has put together a sturdy NFL career with three teams over 10 seasons.

In his career, McGahee has rushed for 8,097 yards on 1,957 carries with 63 touchdowns. He also tallied 1,319 yards on 202 catches with five touchdowns.

 

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