Injuries hit banged up Broncos

Denver quit practice early as injuries continue to pile up

Last updated: 9th August 2010   Subscribe to RSS Feed

Injuries hit banged up Broncos

Dumervil: Injury blow

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The Denver Broncos had to cancel a pre-season practice session as their injury problems continued to pile up on Sunday following Elvis Dumervil's previous season-ending injury.

Linebacker Dumervil led the league in sacks last season with 17, and signed a new five-year contract worth $58 million only last month.

However, the 26-year-old Pro Bowler suffered a torn chest muscle and will now have surgery on Tuesday which seems certain to rule him out for the entire season.

As the broncos practiced at Mile High Stadium on Sunday in front of over 20,000 fans, their injuries ran up to a dozen with top draft pick Demaryius Thomas the biggest name to go down.

Wide receiver Thomas injured his left foot, but it is hoped that it is not too serious, while fellow rookie receiver Eric Decker also suffered a foot injury.

Wide man

Thomas is seen as the replacement for Brandon Marshall after he was traded to Miami, and so far he had impressed broncos coach Josh McDaniels before his injury.

"We saw the last couple days what we thought we saw on film, and I think the game is starting to slow down for him," McDaniels said.

"Again, he's still a rookie, he still made, I would say, plenty of mistakes this evening, but you know, God gave him some things that he uses to his advantage, and he does a great job of that.

"He's 6-3, 228 pounds, you know? And he can run. Those kinds of plays are rare to make in this league, and if you're fortunate enough to have a player that can do some of those things, I think it makes your football team better."

The Broncos are also struggling at running back, with their top two Knowshon Moreno and Correll Buckhalter being joined by new signing LenDale White in the treatment room - only two days after his arrival in Denver.

With so many players going down hurt, Denver ended their practice early to take stock of their injury situation - they will hope to get a few more players suited up for their next practice on Tuesday.