After a good start against the San Diego Chargers, Denver Broncos running back Willis McGahee is out with a knee injury.

UPDATE: Wednesday, Nov. 21 at 12:28 p.m. by Tyler Conway

While Willis McGahee's regular season is finished after being placed on injured reserve, the Broncos have given the running back a special distinction so he can return for the AFC Championship Game, according to ESPN's Adam Schefter:

IR for Willis McGahee expected as @jayglazer reported. But it would be with designation to return so he could play in AFC Championship game. — Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) November 21, 2012

Obviously, Denver has to make there first. However, at least there is some slightly good news in an unfortunate end to McGahee's regular season.

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UPDATE: Wednesday, Nov. 21 at 11:24 a.m. ET

Awful news for Broncos fans and fantasy owners as FOX Sports' Jay Glazer reports that Denver will place Willis McGahee (knee) on IR.

Broncos are putting Willis McGahee on IR, ending his season. Tough, tough blow — Jay Glazer (@JayGlazer) November 21, 2012

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UPDATE: Monday, Nov. 19 at 2:40 p.m. ET by Adam Wells

All would seem to be right with the Broncos on the surface, but the injury bug has bit McGahee hard.

According to Adam Schefter and Chris Mortensen of ESPN, McGahee will likely be out the rest of the regular season.

New England not only team to take hit: @mortreport and I reporting Broncos RB Willis McGahee has a torn MCL, will miss six to eight weeks. — Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) November 19, 2012

On top of Willis MaGahee's torn MCL @mortreport reported on, he also has a fracture in the leg, which adds to why he's out 6-8 weeks — Jay Glazer (@JayGlazer) November 19, 2012

McGahee has provided a strong, stable bridge in the running game, which has allowed Peyton Manning to open up the passing game since teams have to at least respect the run.

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UPDATE: Sunday, Nov. 18 at 9:55 p.m. ET by Tim Keeney

According to head coach John Fox, McGahee will undergo an MRI on Monday. The news comes from Mike Klis of The Denver Post:

McGahee suffered a knee injury after he gained 8 yards with 13:33 remaining in the second quarter, a run that immediately preceded Peyton Manning’s 13-ayrd touchdown pass to Demaryius Thomas. McGahee did not return and will have an MRI on Monday to determine the full extent of the injury. “It swelled up on him,” said Broncos coach John Fox. “We’ll know more (Monday).”

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According to ESPN's John Clayton, his return is questionable.

Broncos announced Willis McGahee has a knee injury and his return is questionable. — John Clayton (@ClaytonESPN) November 18, 2012

The veteran running back had 55 rushing yards on seven carries early in the first half prior to the injury. He also added an 18-yard reception.

McGahee has had a solid season in his second year with the Broncos. He entered the game with 676 rushing yards and four touchdowns. No one else on the roster had more than 150 yards.

With him on the sidelines, Denver will have to look towards Ronnie Hillman and Lance Ball to take over his duties in the backfield. Although neither of these men have close to the experience of McGahee, they have plenty of talent to handle the job.

There are also few teams in the NFL that could handle the loss of a veteran leader on offense as well as the Broncos, who have Peyton Manning at quarterback.

Hopefully for Denver, this injury is not too serious and the running back will be back in the game before long.

Check back for updates and more information becomes available.