The Denver Broncos biggest free agent signee, Ty Warren was injured in practice earlier this week. It is being reported that he partially tore his his triceps tendon. The triceps tendon is important as it allows for the elbow to be straightened. Ty Warren plays one of the most violent positions in football -- the interior of the defensive line. Warren likely will not be able to play this year, unless his injury is not as severe as it has been reported. 

Preliminary reports have said that Warren had a partial tear, about 70 percent of his triceps tendon is torn. While this has not been confirmed by the Broncos, it has become the talk of Denver sports for the last couple days. Dr. David Geier, who runs a medical website and sports injury directory, offered to explain what the recovery for a torn triceps tendon would be.

Dr. David Geier: "Treatment involves surgery to repair the tendon. The surgeon will make an incision over the back of the elbow to expose the ruptured tendon and repair it to bone. The repair involves placing stitches in the tendon and anchoring them to the tip of the elbow either with suture anchors or through tunnels drilled in the bone. As with most tendon repairs, the surgeon then has to get the tendon to heal in that position. Healing involves immobilizing the elbow to prevent stress on the repair for several weeks. Gradually motion is started slowly and progressed over many weeks. When full motion of the elbow has been restored, strengthening of the triceps muscle and other muscles of the upper extremity is started. Unfortunately, the full recovery process is a long one. Return to sports can take many months, and therefore this is usually a season-ending injury."
To read the full article on Tricep Tendon Ruptures, click here: http://www.drdavidgeier.com/injuries/triceps-tendon-rupture/

This is not good news for Broncos fans. However, it should be noted that it may be possible for Warren to return this season. The reports of a partial tear are not confirmed as of yet, at least to what degree. Also, former Broncos defensive end Alfred Williams said on his radio show yesterday that he played most of the 1997 Super Bowl season with a partially torn tricep. While Williams said he was able to play through the injury, he thinks it would be more difficult for Warren, as he plays defensive tackle, and takes a pounding on basically every play. At the very least, Broncos fans should count on not having Ty Warren for roughly 8 weeks of the season. The Broncos are saying they will re-evaluate the injury to determine if it needs surgery. If the injury needs surgery, Warren will definitely miss the remainder of the 2011 season.

Update: As of 8-18-11 the Broncos have decided to move forward with surgery for Ty Warren. The hope is that he will be able to make it back between 3-6 months after surgery. If he's able to return closer to 3 months, he would be able to play some this season. Last year the Broncos waited to make a decision with Elvis Dumervil, and he ended up missing the entire season. While it is a longshot that Warren will play this season, there is still a small chance he will return.