Preliminary tests show that Broncos middle linebacker Nate Irving suffered an injury to the medial collateral ligament in his right knee, according to three NFL sources.
Although there is hope Irving can avoid season-ending injured reserve, the Broncos are expected to wait for more tests before making that determination. Irving is a free agent after this season.
Irving was hurt midway through the fourth quarter of the Broncos’ 43-21 loss to the Patriots on Sunday during a running play by New England’s Shane Vereen.
“I don’t remember how it happened,” Irving said as he hobbled out of the Gillette Stadium visitor’s locker room on crutches Sunday. “Not a good break. Not a good day.”
Irving’s knee was in such severe pain that several members of the Broncos’ medical team had to help him get dressed.
While Irving is out, the Broncos are expected to use either rookie Lamin Barrow or third-year player Steven Johnson as their starting middle linebacker. Johnson has missed the past two games with an ankle injury.
Mike Klis: mklis@denverpost.com or at twitter.com/mikeklis
