Griese injured against Niners

DENVER (AP) _ It didn't take long for Denver Broncos quarterback Brian Griese to be forced back to the sidelines. <br><br>Griese, who had missed five straight games with a separated right shoulder,

Saturday, December 23rd 2000, 12:00 am

By: News On 6

DENVER (AP) _ It didn't take long for Denver Broncos quarterback Brian Griese to be forced back to the sidelines.

Griese, who had missed five straight games with a separated right shoulder, left Saturday's game against San Francisco after being hit hard by defensive tackle Brentson Buckner with 9:07 left in the first quarter.

Griese completed the pass to Ed McCaffrey for a 5-yard gain but landed on his right side as the 305-pound Buckner fell on top of him.

Gus Frerotte replaced Griese, who made a few practice throws on the sideline before slamming the ball to the ground in frustration. His return was announced as questionable.

Frerotte went 4-1 while Griese recuperated from his shoulder separation. He also was the starter in Denver's one-point loss to Kansas City in Week 4. Griese did not play that game because of torn cartilage in his shoulder.

Playing their final regular-season game at Mile High Stadium, the Broncos (10-6) needed a victory over the 49ers to keep their AFC West title hopes alive. The Oakland Raiders (11-5) would also have to lose Sunday for Denver to win the division title.