ENGLEWOOD, Colo.—Already bracing themselves for the possibility of losing their star wideout to a suspension, the Denver Broncos will now be without Brandon Marshall for the rest of the offseason workouts following reports he had hip surgery.
Marshall had the procedure done Tuesday and is expected back for training camp in late July, The Denver Post reported on its Web site Wednesday.
The procedure was performed by Dr. Marc Philippon at the Steadman Hawkins Clinic in Vail, the Web site said. In the last month, Philippon also operated on Yankees third baseman Alex Rodriguez and Arizona Cardinals quarterback Kurt Warner.
An e-mail sent to Marshall’s agent, Kennard McGuire, wasn’t returned.
The Broncos declined comment.
Marshall earned a spot in the Pro Bowl last season after catching 104 passes for 1,265 yards and six touchdowns.
However, the Broncos were preparing for the potential of losing the talented receiver for a chunk of the 2009 season.
Although a disorderly conduct charge stemming from a fight last month with his fiance was dismissed in an Atlanta court, Marshall might still face discipline for repeated violations of the league’s personal conduct code.
Marshall, 25, missed the opener last season following seven police-related incidents with his former girlfriend. It was originally three games, but he and his attorney, Harvey Steinberg, had the punishment reduced to one game and two paychecks when Marshall convinced commissioner Roger Goodell that he’d stay out of trouble and off the police blotter.
If he’s penalized again, it will likely be for much longer, perhaps as long as eight games.
Marshall also faces the probability that he’s caught his last pass from Pro Bowl quarterback Jay Cutler, who is being shopped because of his rift with new coach Josh McDaniels.
Cutler and Marshall were both part of the 2006 draft class and have developed quite a connection.
Last year, Marshall joined Rod Smith as the only players in team history with consecutive 100-catch seasons.
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Information from: The Denver Post,
