Denver: Denver Broncos cornerback Chris Harris will miss the remainder of the National Football League play-offs with a torn left knee ligament, Broncos coach John Fox said on Monday.
Harris suffered the injury in the third quarter of Sunday’s 24-17 home play-off victory over San Diego, setting up a home meeting with the New England Patriots in the American Conference final next Sunday, with the winner progressing to Super Bowl 48.
An MRI exam on Monday revealed the extent of the injury to the 24-year-old defensive back, who made 65 tackles, broke up 13 pass attempts and intercepted three throws this season.
It will leave the Broncos’ defensive unit without one of its top players as it prepares to be tested by New England star quarterback Tom Brady in what is expected to be a showdown against Denver quarterback Peyton Manning.
“We have faced so much adversity all year with injuries,” Broncos defensive tackle Terrance Knighton said. “The next guy has got to step up and play.”
Quentin Jammer replaced Harris on Sunday and he and inside cornerback Champ Bailey are the likely players to take over for Harris in the Denver defensive backfield.
“Gonna work extremely hard and come back a Monster next year,” Harris posted on his Twitter page. “Blessed to be able to help the team get this far and will still do my part in meeting room to help my guys out.”
The Broncos’ defensive unit already lost linebacker Von Miller to a torn knee ligament on December 22 in a regular-season triumph at Houston.
