The Denver Broncos could be without their top returning linebacker to start the season after he left Saturday's game with the Seattle Seahawks in the first quarter. After making a tackle, weakside linebacker D.J. Williams left with a right elbow injury that will keep him out 3-4 weeks.
Wesley Woodyard is second on the depth chart and he should now move up to the starting spot for Week 1 against the Oakland Raiders. Unless Williams is a quick healer, Woodyard can also expect to draw the start on Sept. 18 against the Cincinnati Bengals. Williams should be back in uniform for Week 3 when the Broncos go on the road to face the Tennessee Titans.
Williams had a career-high 5-1/2 sacks in 2010 and had over 100 total tackles. He has been an established force in the linebacker corps since he was drafted in the first round of the 2001 NFL Draft.
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