The Broncos won again, but they may have lost their defensive captain, for a while.
Linebacker DeMarcus Ware suffered an ulna fracture during Sunday’s game against the Colts. Coach Gary Kubiak announced the injury after the game.
The timetable for Ware’s return isn’t known. He has become a situational pass rusher, but his leadership has been critical to the team’s defense.
Panthers linebacker Thomas Davis suffered a similar injury in the NFC title game. He quickly had surgery and played in the Super Bowl. There’s been no indication that Ware would take such extreme measures to keep playing.
His contract pays out an extra $1.25 million for eight sacks, $2.5 million for nine, $3 million for 11, and $3.5 million for 13. This incentive package was put in place when he reduced his salary from $10 million to $6.5 million.
Through two games, Ware has 2.0 sacks.