DENVER -- It didn't take long for Denver Broncos quarterback Brian Griese to be forced back to the sidelines.
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Griese, who had missed five straight games with a separated
right shoulder, left Saturday's game against San Francisco after
being hit hard by defensive tackle Brentson Buckner with 9:07 left
in the first quarter.
Griese completed the pass to Ed McCaffrey for a 5-yard gain but landed on his right side as the 305-pound Buckner fell on top of
him.
"I took a direct hit on it, and the guy landed on top of me and drove me to the ground," Griese said. "It's sore."
Gus Frerotte replaced Griese, who made a few practice throws on
the sideline before slamming the ball to the ground in frustration.
Broncos coach Mike Shanahan said Griese's shoulder did not pop
out, but his status for the playoffs will not be known until late
next week.
"I don't think it's a setback," Griese said. "I think I could have gone on and played, but it would have been very painful and I may have had to get a shot to do it and I would have jeopardized playing next week. This game was not as important to me as next game."
Griese returned for one play after Frerotte was shaken up on a
sack by Anthony Pleasant with 7:56 left before halftime. Griese
handed the ball to KaRon Coleman, who ran 24 yards for his first
NFL touchdown.
After Coleman crossed the goal line, Griese held his arms out
and his palms up, as if to say: "Nothing to it."
Frerotte returned the following series, and the Broncos went on to an easy 38-9 victory. Frerotte could have to carry Denver through the playoffs.
"I'd love to be the starter and play," Frerotte said. "That's
what every quarterback dreams about. Everybody wants to play after
Christmas. I think we have the makings of a great team here and
hopefully being in there, we can go pretty far."
Frerotte went 4-1 while Griese recuperated from his shoulder
separation. He also was the starter in Denver's one-point loss to
Kansas City in Week 4. Griese did not play that game because of
torn cartilage in his shoulder.
Playing their final regular-season game at Mile High Stadium,
the Broncos (11-5) kept their AFC West title hopes alive. The
Oakland Raiders (11-4) have to lose Sunday for Denver to win the
division title.
If the Raiders win, Denver will play a first-round game on the
road, likely at Baltimore.
"If I can play, I'm going to play," Griese said. "I could be
ready to play next week. I could get hit and get thrown to the
ground and not be able to finish the game, but I want to be out
there. I want to help the team."
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VIDEO
  Brian Griese did not want to jeopardize playing in next week's game. wav: 144 kRealAudio: 14.4 | 28.8 | 56.6 Coach Mike Shanahan says Brian Griese's status will not be known until late next week. wav: 109 kRealAudio: 14.4 | 28.8 | 56.6 |
