A Monday MRI examination brought the news that Matt Lepsis and the Broncos most feared — a torn right anterior cruciate ligament for the veteran left tackle that will end his season and necessitate a six-month rehabilitation.
He will undergo surgery following “about a 10-day recovery,” Shanahan said.
The injury is the first torn knee ligament any Broncos offensive lineman has suffered in a regular season since Tom Nalen saw his 2002 campaign end seven weeks into it with a torn anterior cruciate ligament suffered in a game at Kansas City.
“(Lepsis’) ACL is very similar to what Tommy had in 2002, so hopefully — even though it’s a setback for him — he’ll go through rehab and everything will be ready to go next year,” Shanahan said.
The injury could lead to some shuffling along the offensive line. Erik Pears filled in for Lepsis yesterday; Shanahan said Monday that the Colorado State alumnus did a “good job” in fill-in duties at Cleveland.
However, there are numerous options for the Broncos.
“We could go with Erik, or we could move Cooper (Carlisle) over and move (Chris) Kuper up (to right guard),” Shanahan said. “We could go in a couple of different directions. We haven’t decided exactly what we’re going to do for sure.”
Carlisle has started at guard since replacing Dan Neil late in the 2004 season, but he did see some action at left tackle during back-to-back games against Baltimore and New England three years ago. He also started six games in the University of Florida’s 1996 national-championship season at left tackle, and worked there for four more games the following year.
“He’s played out there, so we feel comfortable with him,” Shanahan said. “He’s played well when he’s played (at left tackle).”
Tags: Matt Lepsis, Offensive linemen
Oh Crap! This is terrible news!
Even though O-lineman don’t get press like QBs, RBs, etc, the left tackle is possibly the most important offensive position on the field for a team with a right-handed QB- THE BLINDSIDE!
I hope one of the “Coopers” (Cooper/Kuper?) can step up and protect Plummer’s backside, or else we could be in a world of hurt down the stretch!
This is a tough injury, but if Mike Shanahan has shown anything in his time in Denver it’s that he does a good jub stockpiling guys that can step in when necessary.
That said, it is going to be tough to overcome, and someone is going to have to step up….
Anyone have Dwayne Carswell’s number on speed dial???
http://www.milehighreport.com
Just a quik word of agreement with previous, that Shanahan does seem to be on top of stuff as far as depth charts etc. The Broncs O-line has been one of the best since he became head coach and seems to me to that they haven’t always been 100% what with surgeries scheduled for bye weeks and to get back for play offs etc. Great asst. coaches for the line too, with good continuity through out Shanahan’s tenure.
This is horrible to hear, but rehab can be very productive if PUSH therapy is integrated. I completely severed my ACL while skiing and also broke the head of my tibia off and the bottom of my femur as the ACL snapped so fiercely, and I am doing very well, eventhough I chose not to get my ACL repaired. There is hope, and full recovery can be speedy.
P.S.
Please check out my website for more information on PUSH therapy.
http://www.sacredjourneymassage.com It has been life changing for me!
completely severd… ACL..?
No.. ACL repaired…? !
u no like play sports again?
i got mine right knee repairs 2 yrs ago… me back to playing basketball and football and grappling…. some soreness always, but functionally, it’s all good.
Losing Matt is definitley going to make the coaches plan more. This week maybe a little Mustard on the left side will slow the “Fweenie dog” down. Bronco offence won’t be the deciding factor this week. Pressure on Manning will.
SportsGuru said it best…..call the HOUSE and move Cooper over.
Ok……..I cant resist. I dont want to sound bitter….but I think the Colts’ game plan will resemble the Steelers during our AFC championship game. They are going to honor and respect Darrent Williams and Champ. However, are they going to go three wide and throw everything at Foxworth. It was obvious this past january and we just didnt have an answer. The steerlers 3rd conversions were some high freakin percentage. And all of those 3rd downs were all on Foxy. We need to eliminate the big plays and get them off the field. What do you guys think?
GODS SPEED
The difference this season as opposed to last against the Steelers is we were blitzing every down against the Steelers, and Ben would just throw to the hot route. This year, as has been over-stated, we are bring pressure with out front 4, and allowing our speed in the back 7 dictate coverage.
If we can get pressure on Manning with our front 4 we will have success. If not, he’ll pick us apart.
That’s the main reason why I am hoping we run the ball, control the clock, and keep Manning off the field….
TSG
http://www.milehighreport.com
Could someone please explain the rules of the Injured Reserve List?
In other words, can anyone who is on the IR be reassigned to the team’s active roster during the year, once healthy? Or, as in #67 Greg Eslinger’s case, is he restricted from returning to the team since he was assigned to the IR at the end of the preseason?
I am curious as to what the team options are in case of additional player injury. I suppose an option would to be to trade/acquire players. I would expect that once Mr. Lepsis is healthy, he could come off the IRL and return to the active roster.
Just a Common Fan.
Once a player is placed on Injured Reserve he is unable to return the rest of that season. Once a player is put on IR, the team can replace his spot on the 53 man roster.
Thanks, SportsGuru.
Lepsis is on the IR. So he cant come back even if his leg heals? It seems to me it is common for players to come back from IR and play again during the same year. My understanding is that #67 Greg Eslinger is put on IR for the year. Can the team designate how long a player will be on IR? A year? 3 weeks? Indefinite?
Hey, Common Fan,
You need to understand the difference between the IR and PUP lists.
IR, your season is over (as SportsGuru correctly stated)
PUP, you have the perceived probability to heal, return to practice and possibly to play again during the same season.
Hope this helps you maintain your status as part of the best of the worst or the worst of the best fans!
Rockreptile.
I actually still enjoy many sports and am very active. My other muscles have compensated for my severed ACL, and PUSH therapy keeps me loose…
I am hoping the Colts game will not embarass us all too much. I’ve been a Broncos fan for over 30 years, and think we hold on to QB’s way too long. Now if more people could actually scramble like John Elway, well, then we would have an offense. No comparison. He’s the man! I still get excited thinking about his 2 minute drills.
Happy game watching. Stay warm.
http://www.sacredjourneymassage.com