Broncos LB Ray to miss 6-8 weeks

Jul 29, 2017 - 12:41 AM Denver Broncos linebacker Shane Ray tore a ligament in his left wrist and will miss six to eight weeks, coach Vance Joseph announced on Friday.

"He will have surgery (Saturday) 8 a.m.," Joseph said after the Broncos' walk-through on Friday. " ... I'm disappointed again for the player more than us. He's worked so hard also, and he's making strides to have a great year."

Ray sustained the injury after attempting to shed a block during Thursday's practice. The 24-year-old then aggravated the injury on Friday, with X-rays confirming its severity.

"He fell on it today doing pass rush but he was already injured," Joseph said. "He was sore and he wore a brace today in practice, but the X-ray showed the ligament was torn. It is what it is. Not sure when, but it happened yesterday in practice."

Ray recorded eight sacks last season, including three against the Cincinnati Bengals in Week 3. He also had 48 tackles in 2016 and was expected to play a bigger role this season with the retirement of DeMarcus Ware.

Ray has collected 68 tackles and 12 sacks in 30 career games since being selected by the Broncos with the 23rd overall pick of the 2015 draft.