Henry's injury not thought to be serious in Broncos' loss to Cowboys

IRVING, Texas -- The best news for the Denver Broncos on Saturday was that running back Travis Henry’s knee injury probably was not serious. It was that kind of night.

Henry sprained his knee, but Broncos coach Mike Shanahan said based on the initial diagnosis he could return for Denver’s next preseason game. Otherwise, the starting offense couldn’t move the ball against the Dallas Cowboys, the defense was sloppy, the special teams weren’t much better and starting defensive end Ebenezer Ekuban will likely miss the season with a torn right Achilles’ tendon.

The Broncos would like to put the 31-20 preseason loss at Texas Stadium behind them as quickly as possible.

“We can’t get worse than tonight,” cornerback Champ Bailey said with an optimistic chuckle.

Henry went down in the second quarter. Broncos coach Mike Shanahan said he likely has a mild first-degree medial collateral ligament sprain, although Henry will have further tests. As Henry walked to the bus, he said he would definitely be ready for the regular-season opener Sept. 9.

“It will be OK,” Henry said. “It’s a day-to-day type of thing. Nothing too serious.”

Shanahan said the team’s trainers believe Ekuban tore his Achilles’ tendon.

“It’s a shame to lose Ebenezer for the year,” Shanahan said. “He’s been a great leader for us.”

The Broncos’ play was worrisome. The starters played almost the entire first half and Denver trailed 24-6 at halftime. Dallas gained 219 yards by halftime and Denver had 78.

In the second half Broncos receiver Brian Clark caught a 90-yard touchdown from quarterback Patrick Ramsey, and Quincy Morgan also caught a touchdown pass.

“Obviously, right now we’re not there,” safety John Lynch said of the performance.