As if the Broncos’ decision to welcome trade proposals for Jay Cutler wasn’t enough of a blow to Denver fans.

The Denver Post reports that WR Brandon Marshall — Cutler’s favorite target over the last two seasons — has undergone hip surgery and is expected to be out until late July:

The surgery was performed by Dr. Marc Phillipon, who has been dubbed “the hip doctor to the stars.” Phillipon, who works out of the renowned Steadman Hawkins Clinic in Vail, also performed hip surgeries in recent weeks on beleaguered baseball star Alex Rodriguez and Arizona Cardinals quarterback Kurt Warner.

Marshall’s surgery came eight days after his 25th birthday. The hip started bothering him last season to the point he noticeably struggled to separate from defenders late in the season, relying instead on his 6-foot-4, 230-pound frame to ward off cornerbacks.

Marshall is coming off a Pro Bowl campaign in which he amassed 104 receptions for 1,265 yards and six touchdowns, but the news has been anything but positive for the three-year pro since the season ended. As The Post notes:

(Marshall) could be facing a season-opening suspension and he most likely won’t have Jay Cutler as his quarterback.

Cutler is on the trading block and it’s possible Marshall could be found in violation of the NFL’s personal conduct policy after his arrest in March on a disorderly conduct charge. Although charges were quickly dropped, Marshall has several prior off-field incidents that drew a one-game suspension last season.

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