Jury convicts Broncos linebacker Williams

Jurors convicted Denver Broncos linebacker D.J. Williams on Wednesday of driving while ability-impaired, casting further doubt on the star tackler’s playing time this season.

Williams was charged with driving under the influence, but the jury returned the lesser verdict after a trial that lasted less than a day.

He was also convicted of driving without headlights, the offense that prompted police to stop him near downtown Denver about 3 a.m. on Nov. 12, 2010.

Williams, a defensive force for the Broncos, already is facing a six-game suspension in a separate case for failing a drug test.

Williams is scheduled to be reinstated for the Broncos’ Oct. 28 game against the New Orleans Saints, although NFL commissioner Roger Goodell could punish him further for his conviction.

“It will be reviewed under our policies,” NFL spokesman Greg Aiello said.

The Broncos said the team was aware of the situation and it was subject to review under league’s policies.

Around the league

Former Pro Bowl center LeCharles Bentley settled his lawsuit against the Cleveland Browns, the team he signed with before sustaining a career-ending knee injury that was complicated by a staph infection. Bentley agreed to an out-of-court settlement after meeting with Browns owner Randy Lerner … Pittsburgh Steelers linebacker James Harrison underwent left knee surgery, clouding his chances of returning in time for the start of the regular season. Coach Mike Tomlin called the procedure “minor” but wouldn’t put a timetable on when Harrison will be ready … Jason Witten has a spleen injury and the Pro Bowl tight end for the Dallas Cowboys will likely miss the rest of the preseason. Coach Jason Garrett said that Witten sustained a “slightly lacerated” spleen in the preseason opener Monday night, a 3-0 win over the Oakland Raiders.