Denver Broncos defensive end Vance Walker will miss the 2016 season after suffering a torn ACL during practice Monday, the team announced.
After making four starts in 2015, Walker was expected to take over the full-time role with star defensive end Malik Jackson joining the Jacksonville Jaguars in the offseason.
“We think the world of Vance and he was having a great camp,” coach Gary Kubiak said. “We’ll support him through his recovery, and he’ll come back stronger than ever.”
Walker has recorded 116 tackles and 12 sacks since being taken by the Atlanta Falcons in the seventh round of the 2009 draft.