Griese injures left knee, MRI on Monday

SEATTLE, Nov. 17 (UPI) -- The Denver Broncos lost starting quarterback Brian Griese to a sprained MCL in his left knee late in the third quarter of Sunday's 31-9 victory over the Seattle Seahawks.

Griese was injured after being hit in the knee by rookie defensive end Rocky Bernard following a completion to Rod Smith. Bernard was assessed a roughing penalty on the play.

Griese is scheduled to undergo an MRI on Monday.

"I heard a pop and hopefully it's just an MCL," Griese said. "I'll get an MRI done tomorrow and we'll know more than. The doctors think it's a second degree sprain."

If Griese is sidelined for an extended period of time, the Broncos still have plenty of experience at quarterback in Steve Beuerlein, who is in his 16th season.

Beuerlein came off the bench Sunday and completed his only two passes for touchdowns, helping the Broncos pull away for the victory.

Signed as a free agent prior to last season, Beuerlein missed the entire 2001 campaign after undergoing surgery on his right elbow. He has passed for 22,747 yards in his career, including a career-high 4,436 in 1999 while with Carolina.

Griese, often the target of critcism in Denver, has been the Broncos' starter since taking over for the retired John Elway in 1998. This season, Griese has completed 238-of-358 passes for 2,603 yards with 13 touchdowns and 11 interceptions.