Denver Broncos inside linebacker Corey Nelson tore his bicep during a 15-13 loss to the Indianapolis Colts on Sunday, according to The Athletic’s Nicki Jhabvala. Nelson will be placed on season-ending injured reserve.
Nelson (6-0, 231 pounds) was selected by the Broncos in the seventh round of the 2014 NFL draft out of Oklahoma. He spent the first four years of his career in Denver and was a special teams ace, helping the team win Super Bowl 50 following the 2015 season.
Nelson spent time with the Philadelphia Eagles and Atlanta Falcons last year and competed for a roster spot with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers this summer. After failing to make the Bucs’ 53-man roster, Nelson returned to the Broncos to serve as a backup linebacker and special teams contributor.
Nelson totaled 10 tackles through seven games before his injury.
With Nelson going on injured reserve, Denver will have an open spot on the 53-man roster. That spot will likely go to quarterback Brett Rypien, who is expected to be promoted from the practice squad to the active roster.
The Broncos will also consider placing Joe Flacco (neck) on IR.
“Not today, but possibly,” coach Vic Fangio said Monday when asked if Flacco may go on IR. “We’re still gathering the information.”
