Jaguars Await Word on Brunell

The Jacksonville Jaguars’ hopes of reaching the Super Bowl in their third season took a big hit when quarterback Mark Brunell suffered a knee injury during the team’s second exhibition game Saturday.

Brunell, who carried the Jaguars to the AFC title game in their second year, injured his right knee with 6:54 to play in the first half of a 38-16 exhibition victory over the New York Giants.

An MRI exam Sunday revealed damage to the anterior cruciate ligament and the medial collateral ligament--although the extent of the injury remains unknown.

Once the swelling reduces, Brunell will have an arthroscopic procedure at the end of the week at the earliest to further assess the injury.

“We remain hopeful that the damage is not too extensive to the ACL and Mark could return at some point,” Jacksonville Coach Tom Coughlin said.

Coughlin refused to speculate when Brunell could return to play or how serious the injury could be.

Brunell, who signed a five-year, $31.5 million contract two weeks ago, declined to comment. He walked through the stadium aided by crutches and a brace that completely covered his right leg.

Team doctor Stephen Lucie said reconstructive surgery could take place during the arthroscopic procedure, depending on the amount of damage. Coughlin also would not speculate what Jacksonville might do if Brunell is lost for the season. Former USC quarterback Rob Johnson, who has thrown seven passes in two seasons, will be the starter until Brunell returns.

Johnson looked sharp for one exhibition game, completing five of seven passes for 170 yards and two touchdowns, including a 60-yarder to Jimmy Smith shortly after Brunell went down.

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Denver quarterback John Elway threw for the first time since rupturing his right biceps tendon a week ago and said he may be ready to return as soon as Sunday.

“It felt good,” Elway said. “There’s probably a chance” he’d play in Sunday’s exhibition game at New England.

But he added that Denver Coach Mike Shanahan would make the decision.

Elway, 37, entering his 15th season with the Broncos, said he threw 50 to 60 passes to wide receiver Patrick Jeffers.