Broncos will lose Griffin for year

Wednesday, Oct. 27, 2004 | 9:22 a.m.

SUN WIRE REPORTS

Denver Broncos running back Quentin Griffin's strange season came to an end Tuesday when the team's worst concerns were realized.

Tests confirmed Griffin suffered a torn anterior cruciate ligament in his knee Monday night during the Broncos' 23-10 loss at Cincinnati. He was expected to be put on the injured reserve list today and will have surgery next week.

The Broncos are likely to sign a running back as soon as today. Kris Briggs, who worked out for the team last week, is expected at the Broncos' facility Wednesday.

The normal recovery time for a torn ACL is 9-12 months. The team is hopeful Griffin will be ready to participate in training camp.

Griffin, a second-year running back-returner, was injured during a kick return. He walked off the field under his own power.

Griffin lost his starting tailback job to Reuben Droughns after missing the Oct. 10 game against Carolina with an ankle injury.

Griffin won the right to replace the traded Clinton Portis in training camp, and rushed for 156 yards in the season opener against Kansas City. But he fumbled in the first three games and lost the job to the more powerful Droughns. He began returning kickoffs last week.

A fourth-round pick from Oklahoma last year, Griffin suffered a broken leg last season and missed six games.