Denver Broncos linebacker Shane Ray will reportedly miss four to six weeks with a sprained MCL, according to NFL reporter Ian Rapoport.
The Broncos were already without linebacker Demarcus Ware this Sunday against the Cleveland Browns, and the loss of Ray could be a huge blow to this defense. Ray is expected to have an MRI Monday to confirm the injury, according Rapoport. Denver has the second best defense in the NFL in terms of yards given up per game, but injuries are clearly mounting for them.
The Broncos improved to 6-0 this weekend after beating the Browns, 26-23, in overtime. Quarterback Peyton Manning has struggled this season, throwing just seven touchdowns to 10 interceptions. Manning threw three interceptions against the Browns this Sunday, but his teammates completely support him despite the struggles.
"We're here to rally behind him," said running back Ronnie Hillman, via ESPN. "Peyton is our leader, our quarterback. People can saw whatever they want. They don't know. And this offense is right there. It's going to get going, and then people can ask about something else."
While Manning has struggled this season, the Broncos are still off to a perfect start. The concern switches from offense to defense with Ray likely out for four to six weeks. The first round draft pick out of Missouri has two sacks this season, and four combined tackles.
Luckily for the Broncos, they are stacked at the linebacker position, and players like Von Miller will need to step up. Without Ray on the field, the Broncos went with Shaquil Barrett, who played well in the second half, with a sack that led to a fumble turnover for Denver. Barrett will have to continue to step up in the absence of Ray if the Broncos are to stay one of the best defenses in the league.
