Broncos lose another key pass rusher to injury

ENGLEWOOD, Colo. — The Denver Broncos suffered another blow to their pass rushing unit, losing outside linebacker Shape Ray for six-to-eight weeks due to a torn ligament in his left wrist that will require surgery, according to Vance Joseph.

The injury occurred during the team’s first training camp practice on Thursday when Ray took on a block, and his wrist “just got caught the flip way,” according to the coach. Ray finished the practice with a brace and again had the brace on Friday.

The injury was exacerbated again on Friday when he fell on it during the morning practice, causing doctors to look at it further. The torn ligament was finally discovered when he had it x-rayed. He will undergo surgery to repair the ligament Saturday morning.

Ray’s injury adds insult to injury to the already-depleted Broncos’ pass rushing unit from 2016. In March, starter DeMarcus Ware retired and  Shaquil Barrett’s hip injury followed in May. That injury is expected to keep him out two-to-three months.

Joseph put the return timetable for Barrett, Ray and running back Devontae Booker — who fractured his wrist — at “Week 2 or 3” of the regular season.

The Broncos now have Von Miller, Kasim Edebali, Vontarrius Dora, Ken Ekanem and Deon Hollins at outside linebacker. Joseph singled out Edebali as a potential player to fill both Barrett and Ray’s role saying, “He’s capable, we’re excited about him.”

John Elway and Joseph will meet to talk about a potential replacement plan.

Joseph broke the news of Ray’s injury after he was absent from the team’s Friday afternoon walkthrough.