Saturday 29 July 2017 16:33, UK
Denver Broncos linebacker Shane Ray will miss the start of the season after suffering a torn ligament in his left wrist.
Ray will have surgery to repair the ligament on Saturday and a six-week absence, the lower end of Denver's prognosis, would see him possibly return in week three of the regular season.
The 24-year-old is entering his third NFL season and was expected to step into a regular starting role in the absence of Shaquil Barrett, also scheduled to miss the start of the campaign with a hip injury.
Broncos head coach Vance Joseph said: "Shane tore a ligament in his left wrist just taking on a block.
"His wrist got caught, he flipped away and tore a ligament. He worked through it on Thursday and Friday but we had X-rays and he needs surgery. It's going to be six to eight weeks.
"I'm disappointed, again, for the player more than us, because he's worked so hard also, and he's making strides to have a great year.
"It happens. Injuries happen and, in my opinion, they're going to happen. But when they happen is important, so right now I think we're in good shape. They're happening early and we can get these guys back for the full season."
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The regular season of home and away matches run from September to December 2017, culminating in PlayOffs from January 6, 2018 and the Super Bowl on February 4, 2018 at the U.S. Bank Stadium in Minnesota to determine the world champion.
