<p>Denver Broncos defensive end Trevor Pryce will travel to California on Tuesday to determine the severity of the pinched nerve in his back. Meanwhile, the Broncos acquired tackle Ellis Johnson from the Atlanta Falcons.</p><p>Pryce sat out of Denver's 7-6 loss to Jacksonville because the pain took away most of the strength in his legs. The four-time Pro Bowler, who had 8 1/2 sacks last season, underwent an MRI exam on Monday.</p><p>He said he has no idea how severe the injury is, or when he'll be back.</p><p>"I've seen other guys come back from it," Pryce said. "But I've never been hurt like this."</p><p>Pryce claimed he was in the best shape of his life coming into training camp this season. Then, about three weeks ago, his back flared up.</p><p>He needed an epidural shot to get through the first game against the Chiefs, but he was ineffective and finished with one tackle. He suited up because, without him, the Broncos would have had only five linemen in uniform.</p><p>Since then, defensive tackle Luther Elliss (pectoral muscle) has returned, the Broncos have re-signed tackle Darius Holland. On Monday, they traded a conditional 2005 draft pick to Atlanta for Johnson.</p><p>Johnson led NFL interior linemen with eight sacks last season, but he didn't report to Falcons training camp this year, and was placed on the reserve-did not report list.</p><p>A 10-year veteran with 48 career sacks, Johnson has pondered retirement the last few years. Last season, he missed Atlanta's minicamps, but showed up the day before training camp. This year, he never reported.</p>
