Williams has surgery to fix rotator cuff

Broncos linebacker D.J. Williams is wearing a sling after he underwent surgery to repair a torn rotator cuff in his right shoulder last week.

Williams, the Broncos' first-round draft pick in 2004, will be out four to six weeks before he begins his normal training and full rehabilitation. Williams' best overall season may have been his first, when he played his natural weakside linebacker position and finished third in the NFL defensive player of the year balloting.

But Williams was switched to strongside linebacker in 2005 and middle linebacker in 2007, and went back to the weak side in 2008. The Broncos gave him a six-year, $32 million contract extension before the 2008 season, and after a terrific start, he was bothered by knee and shoulder problems.

Williams may have to make another position adjustment for the 2009 season as the Broncos' new coaching staff phases in a 3-4 defensive system.

(denverpost.com)