Denver Broncos

Broncos extremely lucky to avoid a serious Shane Ray injury

Published Aug. 24, 2015 12:43 a.m. ET

foxsports

Some teams are lucky to avoid unfortunate preseason injuries. Other teams aren't.

The Denver Broncos fall in the former category. On Saturday, they could've easily lost their top draft pick, Shane Ray -- but the linebacker emerged from a gruesome pile-up unscathed.

The Missouri product had his right knee rolled up on after applying pressure to Texans QB Tom Savage. He left the field on the following play under his own power, but with the help of two team trainers.

Ray walking around fine on the sideline.Was pointing to his right knee when explaining to teammates why came out. But appears fine. #Broncos
— Troy Renck (@TroyRenck) August 23, 2015

The Broncos are counting on Ray's pass-rushing prowess. To lose him this early in the season would be a crushing blow to both team and player.

Semi-miraculously, Ray avoided any kind of injury whatsoever. He even returned to the game.

#Broncos LB Shane Ray, who limped off briefly in 3rd Q (he returned to game) to @andy850KOA -- "I'm good.''
— Jeff Legwold (@Jeff_Legwold) August 23, 2015