Report: Broncos' Ward, Williams to miss time with high ankle sprains

The Denver Broncos have a pair of key defenders headed for a stint on the sidelines after suffering injuries Sunday night against the New England Patriots.

Safety T.J. Ward and defensive tackle Sylvester Williams were each diagnosed with high ankle sprains after being injured on the same first-quarter play, Mike Klis of 9News reports.

The initial diagnosis indicates Ward and Williams will be forced to miss at least next week's matchup with the division rival San Diego Chargers, according to Klis.

Given the recovery timeline typically required for such injuries, it's possible both could miss multiple games down the stretch.

Ward, now in his second season with the Broncos after signing as a free agent in 2014, started each of the 10 games that followed his one-week suspension to start the year.

Williams has thrived in his transition to nose tackle as part of the Broncos' new 3-4 defense, recording 19 tackles and three sacks while starting in every regular-season game thus far.