Two days after John Fox said running back Willis McGahee would not be placed on Injured Reserve, the Denver Broncos have had a change of heart.

McGahee, who suffered a torn MCL and compression fracture of the right knee, has been placed on IR, but with the “Designated for Return” label, meaning he can return to practice after six weeks and game action two weeks later.

Count ahead, and eight weeks just happens to be the AFC Championship game, assuming Denver makes it that far in the playoffs.

McGahee suffered the injuries in the second quarter of Denver’s 30-23 win against the San Diego Chargers when he was hit by cornerback Quentin Jammer.

Placing McGahee on IR does free up a roster spot for Denver.  Right now it’s unclear if the team would promote practice squad RB Jeremiah Johnson from the practice squad or sign a free agent, such as Steve Slaton, who worked out for the Broncos earlier this week.

Ex-Bronco QB Brady Quinn will start for the Kansas City Chiefs Sunday. (personal photo)

Denver’s current running backs are Lance Ball, rookie speedster Ronnie Hillman, and Knowshon Moreno, who’s been inactive eight games this season.

Brady Quinn gets the nod

Kansas City Chiefs head coach Romeo Crennel has named quarterback Brady Quinn the starter in Sunday’s game against Denver at Arrowhead.

Quinn spent two seasons with the Broncos – on the sidelines as backup to Kyle Orton and Tim Tebow.  He signed with Kansas City in the offseason, and got his first start since 2009 when Matt Cassel was sidelined with a concussion in Week 6.  Quinn suffered a concussion in his second start of the season, and was replaced by a now healthy Cassel, who was benched last week for Quinn because of poor play.

The Chiefs are 1-9 this season.

Follow Denver Horse Force on Twitter at @DENHorseForce and Facebook at www.facebook.com/denverhorseforce.