DENVER (AP) – Broncos running back Mike Anderson will miss the entire season because of a groin injury sustained last weekend in an exhibition game against Houston.

Denver coach Mike Shanahan said Anderson tore both muscles in the left groin area off the bone. At this point, a specialist has recommended that Anderson let the injury heal instead of undergoing surgery.

“Anderson will be out in the area of three months, possibly longer,” Shanahan said Monday. “So he will be on injured reserve and will be out for the season.”

Anderson was hurt Friday night with 1:56 left in the game while on the punting unit. He was the blocker for punter Hayden Epstein, and his groin popped when he was hit after turning upfield.

“I thought he had a chance to be gone for the season because when you saw it you knew it was bad,” Shanahan said.

“He felt a pop, so that’s what I was anticipating.”

Anderson was second on the team in the preseason behind Quentin Griffin with 163 yards.

The fifth year running back from Utah rushed for 2,808 yards with the Broncos. During his rookie season, subbing for injured Terrell Davis and Olandis Gary, he ran for 1,487 yards and 15 touchdowns.

Anderson was moved to fullback the last two seasons after the Broncos drafted Clinton Portis, since traded to Washington.

“The way he came into camp and approached the preseason reminded me of the year he had 1,487 yards,” Shanahan said. “It is a big setback to everybody, especially Mike.”

AP-ES-08-30-04 2004EDT