Willis McGahee has been placed on recallable injured reserve by the AFC West-leading Denver Broncos.

The Broncos (7-3) put their 31-year-old running back on the list Wednesday, meaning he can return to practice after missing the final six regular-season games and play in a game after missing two more.

That would bring Denver up to the AFC title game.

McGahee tore the medical collateral ligament in his right knee Sunday when he was tackled low by San Diego cornerback Quentin Jammer. Coach John Fox says McGahee won’t need surgery.

McGahee ranks fifth among AFC rushers with 731 yards.

He’ll be replaced by rookie Ronnie Hillman, Lance Ball and former first-round pick Knowshon Moreno, who’s been inactive since Week 2.