"A Broncos running game that had diminished into a complement to quarterback Peyton Manning will now be operating with complementary running backs.

Broncos tailback Willis McGahee is expected to miss the final six games of the regular season and could be out in the early portion of the postseason after an MRI exam Monday revealed a torn medial collateral ligament and a compression fracture in his right knee.

Broncos coach John Fox said it could have been worse: McGahee's knee won't require surgery to repair, at least not now. The team will not put him on season-ending injured reserve, which means the Broncos hope to have him back by the playoffs, provided they get that far.

"He's a fast healer. He's a tough, competitive guy," Fox said. "A lot of times, your veteran guys are that way."