Report: Chris Harris Jr. to Avoid IR After Suffering Broken Fibula, Could Return

Denver Broncos cornerback Chris Harris was carted off the field Sunday against the Cincinnati Bengals with what is believed to be a broken fibula, according to Ian Rapoport of NFL Network.

Originally, Rapoport reported Harris was expected to land on injured reserve, but on Monday, he noted Harris isn't a candidate for IR and that the cornerback could return for a potential playoff appearance.

Harris told reporters after the Broncos' 24-10 win:

"I wasn't in that much pain. I just didn't have the same power, and knowing how I play with my speed and power, I couldn't get back up on it. So just go get checked out. Then when I got checked out, they knew something was there. I thought I was going to come back and play, but once I got checked out we just went on the safe side."

Harris had one tackle before exiting and being ruled out by the team.

In his eighth season out of Kansas, Harris has missed one game over his first seven seasons. He played despite a shoulder injury throughout the Broncos' Super Bowl run three years ago.

Playing alongside Aqib Talib as part of one of the NFL's most dynamic cornerback duos in 2017, Harris recorded 40 tackles and two interceptions. 

The numbers were a drop down from 2014 to 2016, when Harris made three straight Pro Bowls and three All-Pro teams. 

Losing him will be a blow to Denver getting back in the playoff mix; Denver is 6-6 and trying to catch the Baltimore Ravens (7-5) for the sixth and final AFC postseason spot. Look for Bradley Roby to get more extended playing time on the left side of the field with Harris out.