The Denver Broncos, with four losses in four games, got more bad news today, learning that running back Rod Bernstine is out for the rest of the season with a severe knee injury.
Bernstine tore the anterior cruciate ligament in his right knee in the first quarter of Monday night's Buffalo game."That's just a tremendous loss," said running backs coach Bishop Harris.
"Rod is going to be sorely missed," he said. "It's disappointing for him, and it's disappointing for the team. As a unit and as a team, we have to rise above the injuries. Everyone has to step up above the injuries now."
Also injured Monday night were linebacker Karl Mecklenburg, who was poked in the left eye; cornerback Ray Crockett, who sprained his right ankle; offensive tackle Russell Freeman, who suffered a sprained left shoulder, and defensive end Dan Williams, who injured his left leg.
The Broncos said Williams, Freeman, Mecklenburg and Crockett will be evaluated day-to-day to determine when they can play. They will have an extra week to recover, because the Broncos are idle this weekend.
Buffalo's only significant injury other than Thurman Thomas' knee injury in the third quarter, was a quadricep strain suffered by Monty Brown in the second half.
Denver is 0-4, the first time they have lost their first four games of the season since 1964. . . . The Broncos have a bye next week and Buffalo, (3-1) tied for first place in the AFC East, plays at Chicago.