THE SIDELINES : Broncos’ Elway Playing With Rib Injury

Denver Broncos quarterback John Elway played most of last month with a cracked rib, he revealed Tuesday, and Elway says he is still slightly bothered by the injury.

Elway was hurt early in the second quarter against Pittsburgh on Nov. 5. Steelers nose tackle Gerald Williams hit Elway hard just as he released a pass. Elway does not remember who hit him, only that Steelers cornerback Rod Woodson intercepted the pass in the end zone.

The injury has been a nagging one, Elway said, and “it still bothers me a little bit.”

Since the injury to his right (throwing) side, Elway has been wearing a protective vest with extra padding around the ribs. He stopped receiving treatment for the injury several weeks ago.

X-rays taken after the Pittsburgh game showed no fracture. Two weeks later, when he still complained of pain, the Broncos took more X-rays. That’s when the fracture was found.

At that point, Elway said, he didn’t want to publicize the injury, fearing other teams would use his ribs as a target.

Asked whether the injury was painful enough that he considered not playing, Elway said, “No, but I was never given a choice.”

Broncos Coach Dan Reeves said the injury hasn’t been a factor in Elway’s up-and-down season.

“I don’t think the offense’s problems were John,” Reeves said. “When you’ve got as many changes as we’ve got on our offensive line, it just takes time for it to come together.”

Broncos trainer Steve Antonopulos said it isn’t unusual for a rib injury to be painful six weeks after it occurs.