Denver Broncos place Javonte Williams on IR, sign Latavius Murray

The Denver Broncos signed veteran running back Latavius Murray off the New Orleans Saints' practice squad as they began preparing for life without dynamic running back Javonte Williams.

The Broncs played Williams on season-ending IR with a torn ACL. They also put outside linebacker Randy Gregory on IR. He needs arthroscopic knee surgery and will miss at least a month, if not longer.

Both were hurt in the Broncos' loss at Las Vegas on Sunday.

Murray is a 10th-year pro who has appeared in 128 NFL games with the Raiders, Vikings, Ravens and Saints.

"Just having that guy, a guy that has done it for so long, has tons of experience, can pass protect and catch, is something that's great for our team," coach Nathaniel Hackett said after Murray's first practice Tuesday. "Also as a person, as a leader. I'm very happy that he's here."

Hackett demurred when asked if Murray will play Thursday night when the Broncos (2-2) host the Colts (1-2-1),

"We're still working through that, he just got here," Hackett said. "So we're just going to get a feel for that, and we'll see what's best for him."

Murray just played Sunday in London, where he ran for 57 yards and a touchdown on 11 carries in the Saints' 28-25 loss to the Vikings.

He reverted to New Orleans' practice squad Monday and was snared by the Broncos, who had a brutal game in their backfield against the Raiders.

Not only did Williams tear his right ACL and LCL on his first second-half carry in the Broncos' 32-23 loss, but Melvin Gordon had a fumble that was returned for a 68-yard touchdown and Mike Boone had multiple drops and missed a couple of blitz pickups.

Gordon has fumbled in five consecutive games and now has 25 fumbles, 18 of which have been recovered by the opponent.

Offensive coordinator Justin Outten indicated, however, that Gordon will get the bulk of the carries in spite of his fumbling issues.

"We have to lean on him now," Outten said, adding,

"He's going to carry the load obviously ... but we trust Melvin going forward here."