DENVER -- The already injury-ravaged Cleveland Browns lost their two best playmakers in quarterback Brandon Weeden and running back Trent Richardson to injuries in their 34-12 loss to the Denver Broncos on Sunday.
Weeden hurt his right shoulder when he was sacked by linebacker Von Miller in the third quarter and Richardson, a fellow rookie, hurt his left ankle when backup quarterback Colt McCoy fell into him in the final minute of the blowout.
McCoy was hit hard by safety Mike Adams just as he released a pass, and Richardson, who was in the backfield in pass protection, emerged from the pile hopping on his right foot as he made his way to the sideline. He was carted off the field after the game.
Richardson appeared to be in significant pain as he was helped back onto the cart after being examined in the X-ray room.
Reports out of Cleveland an hour after the game said Richardson left the stadium in a walking boot but said his ankle wasn't broken.
"I'll be all right. I'm fine," he said, according to the Cleveland Plain Dealer. Browns coach Pat Shurmur said both players will be evaluated.
Richardson carried nine times for 53 yards but had just four carries after the Browns' first series, and having a franchise-type player in the game at the end of a blowout will certainly draw more scrutiny to Shurmur.
Weeden was knocked from the game in the third quarter when he couldn't avoid the heavy rush and went down hard. After walking off the field, the rookie slammed his helmet on the bench. Weeden was examined by trainers on the sideline and then taken into the locker room.
"I'm all right," Weeden said as he made his way to the shower.
He was replaced by McCoy, who completed his first pass of the season in the fourth quarter. McCoy later threw a 6-yard touchdown pass to Greg Little to cut the Broncos' lead to 31-12.
Earlier in the game, Browns cornerback Sheldon Brown left with a concussion after colliding with Broncos receiver Brandon Stokley. Brown was trying to cover Demaryius Thomas over the middle of the field when he bumped into Stokley, who drew an offensive pass interference penalty.
Broncos cornerback Tracy Porter left with a concussion in the first quarter after playing just three snaps in the nickel defense in his first game since Oct. 7. Porter was banged up when he hit Josh Gordon after the Browns receiver caught a pass for a short gain.
Porter had been deactivated for the previous nine games after experiencing symptoms similar to those he had last summer that preceded a seizure.
Information from The Associated Press was used in this report.