Bell's status uncertain after surgery on finger

Denver Broncos running back Tatum Bell had surgery Sunday to place two pins in his fractured right middle finger, and he likely will be out two-to-three weeks.

Bell, a second-round pick out of Oklahoma State, said the doctors did not put a hard cast on the hand. A return to practice in less than two weeks hasn't been ruled out, although that appears unlikely.

A spokesman said Bell's finger will be immobilized for a few days, after which he'll be able to begin rehabilitation and be re- evaluated.

Bell, who held out of camp until Friday, participated in one practice before he injured his finger Saturday.

"It's real disappointing because it was my first day back," Bell said Sunday. "It's just another setback. It hurts because I just got there and was putting everything behind me."

If Bell misses three weeks, he would return after Denver plays at Seattle on Aug. 21, its third of five exhibition games. That would give Bell three weeks and two exhibition games to get ready for the season opener against Kansas City on Sept. 12.

Bell is going to be behind when he returns, so he will face an uphill battle in the competition for the starting running back job. Quentin Griffin has been working as the starting running back with Mike Anderson and Garrison Hearst behind him.

CONTACT THE WRITER: 476-4891 or fschwab@gazette.com

Copyright 2004
Provided by ProQuest Information and Learning Company. All rights Reserved.