The Denver Broncos' read-option offense worked well again in Sunday's 17-10 victory over the Kansas City Chiefs. The biggest problem was running out of options in the backfield.
Starting running back Willis McGahee left on the Broncos' first drive of the game with a left hamstring injury, and backup Knowshon Moreno went down on the next series with a right knee injury.
McGahee spent much of the rest of the game on the sideline, and coach John Fox indicated the running back could have returned.
"He was capable in an emergency to come back, but we never got that far," Fox said.
Fox termed Moreno's injury as a "sprain."
The Broncos have a quick turnaround, with a Thursday night game against the Jets on NFL Network. The Denver Post reported that Moreno is unlikely to play, but Fox wouldn't go that far.
"We'll find out, maybe not until Tuesday," Fox said when asked if either running back will be ready for the Jets. "That's when we form up for practice."
Lance Ball carried the load for the Broncos against the Chiefs, rushing 30 times for 96 yards in a game in which starting quarterback Tim Tebow attempted just eight passes. Tebow would have been the Broncos' third-string running back had he not been starting at quarterback, a team source told NFL Network's Stacey Dales.
McGahee was injured during the Broncos' opening drive on a run to the left when he planted with his left leg and his knee appeared to hyperextend. Tebow capped the drive on the next play with a 7-yard touchdown run.
Moreno was caught in a pile of players on the sideline following a 22-yard run and came out clutching his right knee.
The Associated Press contributed to this report.
