Outside linebacker DeMarcus Ware will miss Denver's regular-season finale on Sunday after the Broncos placed him on injured reserve. Denver coach Gary Kubiak announced on Thursday the former Troy star would have surgery on Friday for a ruptured disc.
Ware missed five games last season with a back problem, but he returned in time to help the Broncos win Super Bowl 50. Ware recorded 3.5 sacks in Denver's three postseason wins, including taking down Carolina quarterback Cam Newton twice in the Broncos' 24-10 victory over the Panthers in the Super Bowl.
Denver kept Ware sidelined during its offseason program because of his back, and he didn't return to the practice field until late in training camp.