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The Spokesman-Review Newspaper
Spokane, Washington  Est. May 19, 1883

Manning’s blindside protector injured

Clady
Ap

The Denver Broncos’ excitement over their scorching start is tempered by a serious injury to All-Pro left tackle Ryan Clady and the specter of being without Peyton Manning’s protector on the blindside for a lengthy time.

Clady might miss the rest of the season or at least a good chunk of it with a sprained left foot.

While the team hasn’t specified the exact nature or extent of his injury, it’s believed to be a Lisfranc sprain, which usually involves a separation of ligaments and joints in the bottom of the foot and requires an arduous rehab.

The Broncos already have been without two of their other stars. All-Pro linebacker Von Miller is serving a six-game suspension and perennial Pro Bowl cornerback Champ Bailey (foot) hasn’t practiced since Aug. 17.

Clady was hurt in the closing minutes Sunday when Giants defensive lineman Cullen Jenkins rolled up on him while the Broncos were trying to run out the clock in their 41-23 win.

The Broncos were still contemplating their options with Clady on Tuesday. Among them: placing him on season-ending injured reserve or on IR with a designation to return, which would keep him out a minimum of eight weeks.

Either way, their new left tackle is undrafted fifth-year journeyman Chris Clark, who coincidentally signed a two-year contract extension this week.

Broncos No. 1

Peyton Manning and the Denver Broncos dismantled the defending Super Bowl champion Ravens in the season opener.

Then they delivered a convincing victory on the road against the quarterback’s younger brother Eli and the rest of the Giants.

The Broncos held off the Seattle Seahawks for the top spot in this week’s AP Pro32 power rankings, released Tuesday.

Note: A complete listing appears in the Scoreboard on Page B6

Around the league

49ers NG Ian Williams was placed on injured reserve with a broken left ankle. Williams, was injured on a block by J.R. Sweezy early in the 49ers’ 29-3 loss to the Seahawks. … Titans coach Mike Munchak says RB Shonn Greene has had arthroscopic surgery on his right knee. Munchak says Greene will be on a week-to-week basis and that the Titans should have the running back strong for the rest of the season. … Falcons coach Mike Smith says RB Steven Jackson will miss Sunday’s game at Miami with a thigh injury. Also, LB Sean Weatherspoon has been placed on injured reserve with a foot injury. … Super Bowl fans can prepare to pay double for the best seats. The NFL says the highest-priced tickets will be about $2,600 each for 9,000 premium seats for the Super Bowl on Feb. 2 at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, N.J.