Broncos Lineman Carswell in Serious but Stable Condition

[Perfection]

AURORA, Colo. -- Denver Broncos offensive lineman Dwayne Carswell was seriously injured in a five-car accident Thursday while he was on his way to team headquarters.


He was in serious but stable condition at a Denver-area hospital, but team officials said his prognosis was "very good."

Carswell suffered multiple rib fractures, a ruptured diaphragm, ruptured spleen and internal damage on his left side, the Broncos said. He had surgery to remove his spleen and repair internal organ damage.

He was in intensive care after the operation, which took about five hours.

Coach Mike Shanahan addressed the team about Carswell's situation in morning meetings. After the team warmed up at the start of practice, the players broke their huddle by shouting "House" -- Carswell's nickname.

"You just pray for the best. That's all you can do now," offensive lineman George Foster said. "Football is secondary."

"The point is, somebody else is in need and in a grave condition," fullback Kyle Johnson said. "You want to focus on that and make sure that the person gets the attention that he needs."

Officer Tony Guzman said Carswell was in one of three cars traveling south when two northbound cars collided and veered into the southbound lanes. Several of the cars were extensively damaged, Guzman said. A woman whose name wasn't released was treated and released from the hospital, Guzman said.

"In no shape or form was [Carswell] the one that caused the accident," Guzman said.

Television images showed both doors and much of the front and rear fenders on the driver's side of Carswell's car, a 1994 Chevrolet sedan, were torn off and crumpled.

The 33-year-old Carswell, a former tight end, is in his 12th year in the NFL. He caught two touchdown passes against Jacksonville this year. He originally signed with the Broncos as an undrafted free agent from Liberty in 1994.

Denver hosts Philadelphia on Sunday.