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Broncos could be shorthanded against Jaguars

Oct 7, 2008 - 6:15 PM Jacksonville (2-3) at Denver (4-1) 4:00 pm, EDT

DENVER (Ticker) -- The Denver Broncos finally showed they could play defense in last week's 16-13 victory over the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. Now, they might have a reason to be concerned about their banged-up offense.

The Broncos could be without three offensive starters Sunday when they host the Jacksonville Jaguars.

Wide receiver Eddie Royal sprained his right ankle while tight end Tony Scheffler and running back Selvin Young suffered groin injuries against the Buccaneers. Royal and Scheffler were on crutches Sunday night.

The three players accounted for 126 yards against Tampa Bay and have combined to score five touchdowns this season.

Young is the Broncos' leading rusher with 266 yards on 47 carries, but was limited to 16 yards on three attempts against the Buccaneers. If he is unable to play against Jacksonville, Michael Pittman likely will have a greater role.

Pittman rushed six times for 39 yards last week and has four touchdowns, the most among Broncos' tailbacks.

"He is a tough, hard-nosed runner who made some big plays," Denver coach Mike Shanahan said. "He ran over some safeties and ran over some corners. Obviously, the better you play, the more time you are going to get."

After allowing an average of nearly 29 points in their first four games, the Broncos (4-1) kept the Buccaneers out of the end zone until the final two minutes. The win left Denver with a two-game lead over San Diego (2-3) in the AFC West.

Jay Cutler rebounded from a two-interception game in a 33-19 loss at Kansas City the week before to turn in a mistake-free performance against the Buccaneers. He completed 23-of-34 passes for 227 yards and a touchdown.

The Jaguars (2-3) are in danger of falling two games under .500 after finishing 11-5 last season and beating the Pittsburgh Steelers in the wild card round of the playoffs.

Following this week's contest, Jacksonville does have a favorable schedule with a home game against Cleveland and road contests at Cincinnati and Detroit.

Still, the Jaguars have had trouble closing out games, squandering fourth-quarter leads in each of their last four contests. Jacksonville still managed to beat Indianapolis and Houston, but could not bounce back after allowing a back-breaking 80-yard drive late in last week's 26-21 loss to the Pittsburgh Steelers.

In an uncharacteristic performance, the Jaguars' usually stout defense surrendered 415 yards, including 129 on the ground to a Pittsburgh team that was down to its fourth running back. Mewelde Moore rushed for 99 yards for the Steelers.

Last season, the Jaguars posted a 23-14 win in Denver, holding the Broncos to 47 yards rushing. Jacksonville set the tone with a 11:44 possession that bridged the first and second quarters - the longest drive in franchise history.