A judge issued the restraining order Tuesday, one day after Kircus was arrested on suspicion of second-degree assault. District attorney's spokesman Michael Knight said the order, which also bars Kircus from contacting any witnesses, is routine in such cases.

Kircus, who resumed his NFL career last season after spending a year away from football working in a fast-food shop, is free on $6,000 bail. If convicted, he could be sentenced to two to six years in prison.

The restraining order was issued during a brief hearing in Arapahoe County District Court in suburban Centennial. Neither Kircus nor his attorney, Harvey Steinberg, would comment afterward. Kircus, wearing a brown suit, said nothing during the hearing.

The order also bars Kircus from drinking or possessing alcohol. Steinberg argued against that provision, but the judge let it stand and said it could be challenged again Friday, when Kircus is due back in court.

Knight said prosecutors likely will file charges against Kircus on Friday.

Sheriff's investigators said Kircus got into an argument when he was asked to leave a party early Sunday, hit a man and broke bones in his face. The man was treated at a hospital. His condition and the extent of his injuries were not available, and his name was not released.

Coach Mike Shanahan said the team will await the outcome of the legal process before making any decision on Kircus' status.

"Obviously, if he didn't handle himself the right way, he won't be with us," Shanahan said Monday.

Kircus met with Shanahan on Monday before appearing in a photo lineup at the sheriff's department while his teammates participated in passing camp. The coach said what Kircus told him was "a much different story from obviously what came across from the other person."

Kircus is a backup receiver and return specialist who joined the team last season. He had nine receptions for a team-leading 20.8 yards per catch and returned six punts for a 14.3-yard average last season.