The Denver Broncos suffered a blow Wednesday when running back Willis McGahee was placed on season-ending injured reserve.
The Broncos initially hoped to avoid such a move after McGahee tore the MCL in his right knee during the second quarter of Sunday’s game against the San Diego Chargers, but the Broncos made the decision Wednesday, Fox Sports and NFL Network reported.
McGahee’s absence leaves Denver with rookie Ronnie Hillman, Lance Ball and Knowshon Moreno at running back. It’s uncertain whether the Broncos will attempt to sign another running back to take McGahee’s roster spot.
Hillman received the bulk of snaps last week against the Chargers after McGahee went down. Moreno, who missed the game, will be activated this week, according to the report.
McGahee had rushed for 731 yards and four touchdowns this season after racking up 1,199 yards in in 2011, his first year with the Broncos after four seasons with the Baltimore Ravens.
Hillman has rushed for 188 yards, Ball 94 and Moreno 15 this season.