The test results today on Broncos rookie running back Ryan Torain came back with more elbow damage.
An MRI revealed Torain suffered a dislocated left elbow and ligament damage, an injury that will sideline him three months. Currently in a sling, Torain is scheduled to undergo surgery Friday evening, about the time the Broncos land in Houston in preparation for their first preseason game against the Texans, and two days before his 22nd birthday.
A fifth-round draft pick from Arizona State, Torain suffered the injury while carrying the ball in a 9-on-7 drill Wednesday. Hit by safety Roderick Rogers, Torain tried to keep his knee from touching the ground by putting his left hand down for balance.
“It wasn’t the hit or anything, I was just trying to brace myself and my arm buckled,” Torain said.
After the injury, Broncos coach Mike Shanahan said the 225-pound Torain had been moving in position to compete for the starting tailback spot.
“That’s huge for coach to say, that means a lot to me,” Torain said. “That will help drive me to get healthy again and get right back into the competition.”
Footnote
The Broncos cancelled today’s special teams practice, scheduled for 3:40 p.m. The team will hold a full-squad practice as scheduled on Thursday at 8:30 a.m.
Mike Klis: 303-954-1055 or mklis@denverpost.com.
