DENVER — Phillip Lindsay burst through the hole, churned his legs, then left the field in pain Monday night. The force of the tackle on the Broncos rookie bent his right wrist backward. He could not button his shirt afterward and his wrist appeared swollen. On Tuesday, an MRI revealed bad news: cartilage damage and a possible fracture, according to multiple sources with direct knowledge of the exam.
The focus remains on the cartilage issue. The injury ends Lindsay's season and is expected to knock him out of the Pro Bowl. Last week the former CU star became the first undrafted offensive rookie to earn Pro Bowl honors. Lindsay rushed 10 times for 46 yards in the loss to the Raiders. It leaves him with 1,037 on the season, 67 shy of Dominic Rhodes' all-time mark for an undrafted rookie.
"He’s had a great year and obviously his story is special," said coach Vance Joseph. "We’re proud of him. We didn’t win the football game, which kind of spoiled it for him, but he’s had a great year.”
Lindsay had hoped to play against the Chargers on Sunday. He is now seeking a second opinion before deciding the best course for his wrist. Entering the final week, Lindsay ranks seventh in rushing yards, third in yards per attempt (5.40), and seventh in touchdowns (nine). Monday's loss irritated Lindsay, but he took pride in his accomplishment because of its importance to his teammates.
"Definitely, the offensive line has played a big part in this whole journey. It is a special moment," Lindsay said. "It’s unfortunate that it didn’t come with a win, but it is something to build off of. We have a great offensive line. We just have to get our feet back under us. We have to get a groove back.”
