Broncos offensive lineman Dwayne Carswell was upgraded to serious from critical condition Friday, one day after he was involved in a major auto accident.
A Broncos team spokesman said Friday that Carswell will likely remain in the intensive care unit at Aurora South Medical Center for another day or so. Carswell reportedly is breathing on his own.
Broncos coach Mike Shanahan said Carswell will likely be allowed to sit up and has been taken off pain medicine.
Shanahan also said Carswell was allowed visitors Friday and Saturday. Shanahan said some of Carswell’s close friends on the team planned to visit Friday.
“He’s doing very well,” Shanahan said.
Carswell had a five-hour surgery after suffering massive bruises, multiple rib fractures, a ruptured diaphragm, and a ruptured spleen that was surgically removed.
Carswell was on his way to Dove Valley shortly after 7 a.m. Thursday when his 1994 Chevrolet sedan was part of a chain- reaction, five-car accident. Two northbound cars collided and veered into the southbound lanes at South Parker Road and East Hampden Avenue. Carswell was not at fault, and he was the only person involved in the crash who was seriously injured.
Aurora police issued a summons for Marquita Brister, 22, for careless driving after it was determined she likely caused the accident. Police spokesman Anthony Guzman said Friday that the investigation is closed.
Shanahan said Thursday that Carswell, 33, will be lost for the rest of the season. Fans who wish to send Carswell a get-well e-mail can find a link on denverbroncos.com.
“We’re just all going to have to help him get through this,” said Denver receiver Rod Smith, who, like Carswell, is a senior member of the team, joining the Broncos in 1994.
Denver will likely wait until after Sunday’s game against the Philadelphia Eagles at Invesco Field at Mile High to replace Carswell on the roster. It’s likely either an offensive lineman will be signed or a practice squad player will be promoted.
Backups
The Broncos’ backup depth on the offensive line has shrunk because of off-field circumstances. In May, P.J. Alexander suffered a season-ending knee injury because of an ATV accident, and in July Josh Sewell retired to go to dentistry school.
Hall of Fame
Six former Broncos were among the 112 preliminary candidates announced for election to the Pro Football Hall of Fame. The nominees will be pared to 25 later this year before the election in February.
The six Denver nominees are safety Steve Atwater, linebacker Randy Gradishar, linebacker- defensive end Karl Mecklenburg, tackle Gary Zimmerman, defensive end Neil Smith and coach Dan Reeves.
Smith is the only first-time nominee. Linebacker Brad Van Pelt, father of Broncos backup quarterback Bradlee Van Pelt, is also a nominee.
Footnotes
Defensive backs Lenny Walls (groin) and Sam Brandon (shoulder) didn’t practice. Neither is expected to play Sunday. … There will be a moment of silence before Sunday’s game for New York Giants owner Wellington Mara, who died Tuesday at age 89.
Staff Writer Bill Williamson can be reached at 303-820-5450 or bwilliamson@denverpost.com.
