Justin Bannan 'Very Happy' To Have D.J. Williams Back On Team

DENVER (CBS4) - The Denver Broncos are on a roll after winning their fifth straight game on Sunday against the San Diego Chargers, but things are shaken up in the backfield now that running back Willis McGahee is out six to eight weeks with a knee injury.

"I've known Willis since he was a rookie," defensive tackle Justin Bannan said on Xfinity Monday Live! "We were together in Buffalo, we were together in Baltimore, and together here in Denver. So I've had a lot of years with Willis and for us it's a big loss."

Bannan said he hopes McGahee will make it back in time for the playoffs.

"I don't know much about his injury. I'm hoping he is, I just don't know," Bannan said. "Hopefully he can come back as soon as possible."

Bannan admitted that he's been playing with a chip on his shoulder this year because going into the season a lot of people said the defensive line was the soft spot on the team.

"When I came back here I definitely came back with a different perspective and with an attitude that I don't want to be looked at as that and I don't want our (defensive) line to be looked at as the weak spot of the team," he said. "I challenged myself and I know the guys we've got on our line -- we work our butts off every day to make sure that's not the case."

Linebacker Von Miller had another exceptional game and now leads the league in sacks.

"All the teams I've been with, and being with the Baltimore Ravens, the great athletes that were there; he's by far the greatest athlete I've ever played football with," Bannan said.

Bannan said he's very happy to have his good friend D.J. Williams back on the team after he served two suspensions.

"I know what he brings to the table on Sundays and I know how this guy works," he said. "He's got passion, intensity; he's a great football player, he knows how to play the game. I'm very happy that he's back."

Bannan said Williams is a great player to have in the locker room.

"One of the funniest guys I know. But people perceive things. I know him personally, so I can definitely vouch for the guy."

The Broncos travel to Kansas City to take on the Chiefs this Sunday. Kickoff is at 11 a.m. on CBS4.

- By Matthew J. Buettner, CBSDenver.com

Watch more of the video with Justin Bannan in the Xfinity Monday Live! section.