After getting a second opinion about a bulging disc in his neck, Broncos quarterback Joe Flacco is expected to be sidelined for 4-6 weeks, according to a report from ESPN’s Adam Schefter.
Flacco shouldn’t need surgery but if he misses six weeks, he would only return in time for Denver’s last two games of the season. With the Broncos unlikely to reach the postseason, there’s little reason to save a roster spot for the 34-year-old quarterback.
Flacco is now even more likely to be placed on injured reserve after getting a second opinion, according to KUSA-TV’s Mike Klis. Denver is also expected to place linebacker Corey Nelson on IR with a biceps injury.
After Flacco and Nelson are placed on injured reserve, the Broncos will have two open spots on the 53-man roster. One of those spots will likely go to undrafted rookie QB Brett Rypien, who is expected to be promoted from the practice squad. The other spot may go to wide receiver Tim Patrick, who is currently on IR but returned to practice this week.
With Flacco sidelined, Denver plans to start Brandon Allen against the Browns on Sunday. Allen has no regular season experience in the NFL.
