The Broncos scored the first points of Sunday’s 23-16 win over the Steelers on a Brandon McManus field goal that was set up by a big punt return by Omar Bolden.
Bolden returned Jordan Berry’s punt following Pittsburgh’s first possession 42 yards into Steelers territory, which allowed Denver to pick up three points even though their offense didn’t do much to move the ball. A repeat of that play may not be in the cards against the Patriots in the AFC championship game.
Bolden later left the game with a knee injury and said in the locker room, via the Denver Post, that doctors told him they believe it is a ligament issue because his knee was “loose” during their evaluation. Bolden is set for an MRI Monday on what coach Gary Kubiak termed the only “big injury” suffered by a member of the team in the victory.
Bolden returned a punt 83 yards for a touchdown during the regular season, but only returned five punts overall during a season plagued by injuries. Bolden missed seven games over the course of the year and the initial word on Sunday’s injury makes it sound likely that he’ll be adding to that total.