Even the diversions to McJaygate bring concern to Dove Valley.
The Broncos will lose Brandon Marshall for the rest of the offseason after the star receiver underwent hip surgery Tuesday. Marshall is expected back by training camp in late-July.
The surgery was performed by Dr. Marc Philippon, who has been dubbed “the hip doctor to the stars.” Philippon, who works out of the renowned Steadman Hawkins Clinic in Vail, also performed hip surgeries in recent weeks on beleaguered baseball star Alex Rodriguez and Arizona Cardinals’ quarterback Kurt Warner.
Marshall’s surgery came eight days after his 25th birthday. The hip started bothering him last season to the point he noticeably struggled to separate from defenders late in the season, relying instead on his 6-foot-4, 230-pound frame to ward off cornerbacks.
He still earned his first Pro Bowl appearance by finishing with 104 catches for 1,265 yards — his second consecutive season of at least 100 catches and 1,200 yards.
Marshall may have trouble reaching those milestones for a third consecutive season as he could be facing a season-opening suspension and he most likely won’t have Jay Cutler as his quarterback.
Cutler is on the trading block and it’s possible Marshall could be found in violation of the NFL’s personal conduct policy after his arrest in March on a disorderly conduct charge. Although charges were quickly dropped, Marshall has several prior off-field incidents that drew a one-game suspension last season.
Add in the hip surgery and Marshall has not had the smoothest of offseasons.
Mike Klis: 303-954-1055 or mklis@denverpost.com.
