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ENGLEWOOD, Colo. --** The good news for the Broncos is that the left knee injury Danny Trevathan suffered on the second defensive snap Sunday is nothing "remotely the same" as the left tibial impaction fracture he suffered in training camp Aug. 12.

That injury cost Trevathan six weeks, including three during the regular season. But the Broncos' third-year weakside linebacker did suffer a fracture in the bone "just above the knee," Head Coach John Fox confirmed at his press conference Tuesday.

"It was a movement that caused it, but in a completely different area (from the previous injury)," Fox said. "It was low front last time; now it's high on the side this time."

Cornerback Chris Harris Jr. was relieved at the news, given the fears of all after Trevathan left the field on a cart.

"I was just hoping he'd still be able to play this season, so definitely better (than expected)," Harris said.

Regardless of how much time Trevathan misses, the injury was a blow to a linebacking corps that did not return to its intended form until the Week 5 win over Arizona.

With Trevathan back for that game, Brandon Marshall returned to his early-training-camp role as one of two linebackers in the nickel package, and the Broncos responded by holding the Cardinals to nine first downs, the fewest they permitted since a 38-3 win over Kansas City in the last game of the 2012 regular-season.

Trevathan's injury thrust Marshall back into every-down responsibilities. Following the injury, Marshall changed helmets, as he assumed the responsibility of having the radio receiver-equipped helmet from Trevathan.

"It was an easier transition this time," said Marshall. "The Colts game (in Week 1), the first time, I was a little nervous; I'm not going to lie. But when I went back in (Sunday's) game, I think it was a little slower. The game wasn't fast."

With Marshall playing every down, rookie Corey Nelson handled nickel package work after Trevathan's injury. Nelson had seven total tackles, including three solo stops, in a role that first-team middle linebacker Nate Irving manned in Weeks 1-3.

"Corey, he stepped up and played a big game," Harris said. "Nobody probably knew we were going to have to use him that much this year and even in this game, but he's going to have to learn fast with Danny being out six weeks. We're going to need Corey to step up."

The defense overcame Trevathan's absence with an outstanding performance, holding the Jets to 204 yards and 3.3 yards per play. Both figures were the best for Denver's defense since the afore-mentioned Week 17 game in 2012.

Nevertheless, the sooner Trevathan is back, the better.

"Danny's a fast healer. He said he'd be back, so he'll be back," said defensive tackle Terrance Knighton.