Dwayne Carswell continues to make a steady recovery from serious injuries suffered in a five-car accident.
A spokesman for the Broncos said the offensive lineman was upgraded to fair condition Saturday. If Carswell, 33, doesn’t have any complications, he could be released in the next few days.
Carswell was upgraded Friday from critical but stable to serious but stable at Aurora South Medical Center. Carswell’s ventilator was removed and he is breathing on his own, Broncos coach Mike Shanahan said. He added that Carswell’s teammates began to visit on Friday.
Carswell underwent a five- hour surgery Thursday after suffering massive bruises, multiple rib fractures, a ruptured diaphragm and a ruptured spleen that had to be removed.
Carswell was on his way to the team’s Dove Valley headquarters in Arapahoe County shortly after 7 a.m. Thursday when his 1994 Chevrolet sedan was part of a chain-reaction accident as two northbound cars collided and veered into southbound lanes at South Parker Road and East Hampden Avenue.
Carswell was not at fault and was the only person involved in the accident who was seriously injured.
Aurora police issued a summons for Marquita Brister, 22, for careless driving Thursday after it was determined she likely caused the accident.
Police spokesman Anthony Guzman said Friday the investigation is closed.
Carswell won’t play the rest of the season. Fans who wish to send the NFL veteran a get- well-soon e-mail can find a link on www.denverbroncos.com.
The Broncos are expected to wait until after today’s game against the Philadelphia Eagles at Invesco Field at Mile High to replace Carswell on the roster.
Footnotes
Eagles cornerback Lito Sheppard has a knee injury and is questionable for today’s game … There will be a moment of silence before today’s game in memory of New York Giants owner Wellington Mara, who died Tuesday at age 89. … Former Colorado Buffaloes receiver and kick returner Jeremy Bloom has selected Gary Wichard to be his NFL agent.
Staff writer Bill Williamson can be reached at 303-820-5450 or bwilliamson@denverpost.com.
