Denver Broncos quarterback Joe Flacco throws a pass against the Kansas City Chiefs October 17, 2019. (Photo: Matthew Stockman/Getty Images)
Monday, a difficult season took another turn for the worse for the Denver Broncos.
Head coach Vic Fangio says quarterback Joe Flacco will not play this Sunday against the Cleveland Browns because of a neck injury. Brandon Allen will start Sunday against Cleveland.
Fangio said currently there are no plans for Flacco to have surgery.
"Right at this minute, they don't think so," Fangio said about the possibility of Flacco needed surgery. "But those things are fluid."
Fangio did not completely shut the down on potentially putting Flacco on injured reserve.
"Not today but possibly," Fangio said. "We're still gathering information."
Ian Rapoport of the NFL Network reports placing Flacco on injured reserve is "on the table" as an option for the Broncos and Flacco could miss the rest of the season.
Nicki Jhabvala of The Athletic in Denver was the first to report that Flacco has a herniated disc in his neck.
The Broncos acquired Flacco from the Baltimore Ravens this past offseason in exchange for a fourth-round draft pick. In eight games this season, Flacco has completed 171-of-262 passes for 1,822 yards, with six touchdowns and five interceptions.
The Broncos acquired Allen on a waiver claim after the Los Angeles Rams released him after the final preseason game in late August.
Fangio said either Drew Lock or Brett Rypien would serve as Allen's backup against the Browns.
After last Sunday's 15-13 loss to the Indianapolis Colts, Flacco was critical of the Broncos' play-calling and the lack of aggressiveness on offense in his postgame interview with KOA Voice of the Broncos Dave Logan. That interview is below.
Here is Coach Fangio's full press conference on Monday, October 28 at UCHealth Training Center.
After the loss to the Colts, KOA Broncos Insider Brandon Krisztal asked Flacco about a possible neck issue.
Flacco talks with Voice of the Broncos Dave Logan after the 15-13 loss to the Colts on Sunday, October 27.