Broncos’ Moore has emergency surgery

ENGLEWOOD, Colo. — Broncos safety Rahim Moore underwent emergency surgery Monday to staunch bleeding in the muscle sheath in his lower left leg, a condition known as lateral compartment syndrome that can cost patients a limb or even their life.

Moore is out indefinitely.

Moore left the Broncos’ 27-17 win over the Kansas City Chiefs in the first half Sunday night and was replaced by veteran Mike Adams.

During the night, Moore called the team’s athletic trainer, Steve Antonopulos, because he was still experiencing pain and swelling, interim coach Jack Del Rio said. Antonopulos arranged for Moore to be examined by the team’s medical staff, which determined he needed what’s called a fasciotomy.

That’s where a surgeon cuts open the skin and fascia covering the affected compartment, which are groupings of muscles, nerves and blood vessels.

Compartment syndrome develops when swelling or bleeding occurs within a compartment, which the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons says can be caused by athletic exertion or an impact injury.

It’s rarely seen in football players, however.

“It’s a new one for me, I’m learning about it,” Del Rio said. “I had to write it down so I can say it properly. It’s just one of those freakish things that can occur — and it did.

“And fortunately he called Greek (Antonopulos). I think Greek’s as good as anybody out there, and they got the doctors right on it and he went in and had the surgery. It can be a very serious injury, it could lead to a loss of a limb, and potentially a loss of life, so it’s a very significant injury.”

The Broncos couldn’t pinpoint when Moore first began having problems with his lower left leg.

“It could have been something that started during the week,” Del Rio said. “It could have been something that started during pregame warm-ups. I don’t know. I’m not sure anyone knows. But at some point he ended up with basically a muscle that was bleeding.”

Moore, who remained hospitalized Monday, will not play Sunday when the Broncos (9-1) visit the New England Patriots. Del Rio said he had no timetable for Moore’s return.

“The expectation is that he’ll be back at full strength at some point, I just don’t know what that timeframe is,” Del Rio said.

Cornerback Chris Harris said one play in particular let him know that Moore was injured: Jamaal Charles’ 35-yard run around the left side in the second quarter.

“I knew something had to be wrong with him when Charles busted through on that long run and he didn’t have that acceleration to go make the tackle,” Harris said. “That’s when I realized that something was bothering him.”

Moore left the game after that and didn’t return.

Moore has had a resurgent season after being the goat in Denver’s double-overtime loss to Baltimore in the playoffs in January. He allowed Jacoby Jones’ 70-yard touchdown catch in the final minute of regulation in that game when he went for the interception instead of the tackle and mistimed his leap at the 20-yard line.

This year, he’s been much more disciplined in his coverage and has honed his open-field tackling techniques, collecting 44 tackles and two interceptions.

“He’s been strong, mentally,” Del Rio said. “I think he’s kind of put his head down and gone to work. He was off having a real good year, a solid year. He’s had some interceptions and he’s making a lot of tackles. The one thing he’s really worked hard on is taking good angles on tackles out of the middle of the field and minimizing big plays. I think that’s been a real positive for us.”

Del Rio also said tight end Julius Thomas (knee) was day to day but had no update on slot receiver Wes Welker (concussion), who needed to pass the league-mandated concussion protocol Monday in order to be able to practice by Thursday and have any chance of facing his former team this weekend.

Talk to us

> Give us your news tips.

> Send us a letter to the editor.

> More Herald contact information.

More in Sports

Dennis Williams, head coach and GM of the Everett Silvertips, shakes hands with an assistant coach at the end of a season opening victory over the Vancouver Giants on Saturday, Sep. 24, 2022, at Angel of the Winds Arena in Everett, Washington. (Ryan Berry / The Herald)
Coach, GM Williams leaving Silvertips for Bowling Green State

After seven successful season leading Everett, Dennis Williams is heading back to his alma mater. He’ll stay with the Tips through the WHL playoffs.

Everett’s Alana Washington poses for a photo at Everett High School on March 24, 2024 in Everett, Washington. (Annie Barker / The Herald)
The Herald’s 2023-24 Girls Basketball Player of the Year: Alana Washington

The Everett senior upped her game in the postseason to help the Seagulls overcome injuries and claim their first state trophy in 41 years.

Left to right, Arlington’s Samara Morrow, Kamiak’s Bella Hasan, Everett’s Alana Washington, Lake Steven’s Nisa Ellis, Lynnwood’s Aniya Hooker, and Meadowdale’s Gia Powell, pose for a photo at Everett High School on March 24, 2024 in Everett, Washington. (Annie Barker / The Herald)
The Herald’s 2023-24 All-Area girls basketball teams

A look at the top prep girls basketball players in the area from the 2023-24 season.

Silvertips players celebrate during a game between the Everett Silvertips and Tri-City Americans at the Angel of the Winds Arena on Sunday, Jan. 21, 2024. The Silvertips won, 5-3. (Annie Barker / The Herald)
Silvertips land No. 1 pick, chance to draft generational talent

Landon DuPont is the consensus top pick in next WHL prospects draft. Everett chief operating officer Zoran Rajcic said the team intends to select him.

Mountlake Terrace’s Jaxon Dubiel talks with head coach Nalin Sood during the 3A boys state basketball game against Todd Beamer on Wednesday, Feb. 28, 2024 in Tacoma, Washington. (Olivia Vanni / The Herald)
‘It was just time’: Mountlake Terrace basketball coach Sood steps down

Nalin Sood guided his alma mater to 381 wins and 15 state berths in 24 seasons as head coach. He spent over four decades with the program.

Stanwood High School student athletes during their signing day ceremony. (Courtesy of Stanwood High School)
Local class of 2024 athletes who have signed to play in college

A running list of 2024 high school athletes who are set to compete at the next level.

X
Prep roundup for Tuesday, March 26

Prep roundup for Tuesday, March 26: (Note for coaches/scorekeepers: To report results… Continue reading

Silvertips’ Kaden Hammell (47) enters the rink during a game between the Everett Silvertips and the Tri-City Americans at the Angel of the Winds Arena on Sunday, March 24, 2024 in Everett, Washington. (Annie Barker / The Herald)
Patterson: Overachieving Silvertips had season worth celebrating

In a season when some thought the team’s playoff streak could end, Everett put together one of its greatest campaigns.

Washington State athletic director Pat Chun, center, watches players on the first day of NCAA college football practice, Friday, Aug. 6, 2021, in Pullman, Wash. (AP Photo/Ted S. Warren)
Washington hires AD Chun away from rival Washington State

UW quickly targeted its in-state rival’s athletic director after Troy Dannen’s sudden departure.

Seattle Mariners' Mitch Haniger hits a single against the San Diego Padres during the fourth inning of a spring training baseball game Monday, March 11, 2024, in Peoria, Ariz. (AP Photo/Lindsey Wasson)
Why the Mariners could win the AL West, and what could hold them back

Starting pitching, a renovated offense and regression in the AL West are in Seattle’s favor, but injury issues, bullpen concerns and the Houston Astros could be a problem.

X
Vote for The Herald’s Prep Athlete of the Week for March 18-24

The Athlete of the Week nominees for March 18-24. Voting closes at… Continue reading

X
Prep roundup for Wednesday, March 27

Prep roundup for Wednesday, March 27: (Note for coaches/scorekeepers: To report results… Continue reading

Support local journalism

If you value local news, make a gift now to support the trusted journalism you get in The Daily Herald. Donations processed in this system are not tax deductible.