DENVER -- By halftime of Sunday's 30-24 win over the New England Patriots, the Denver Broncos had three starters injured and out of the game.
Broncos safety T.J. Ward and nose tackle Sylvester Williams suffered left and right ankle injuries, respectively, on the same play, a 2-yard carry by LeGarrette Blount late in the first quarter, which was the Patriots' first rushing attempt of the game.
Both players were taken to the Broncos' locker room on a cart, Williams with a towel draped over his head.
Guard Louis Vasquez then left the game in second quarter with a groin injury and did not return. Vasquez' exit put Evan Mathis, who practiced only once this week and on a limited basis because of his own ankle injury, in the lineup at left guard. Rookie Max Garcia, who had started at left guard, was moved into Vasquez' right guard spot.