The Denver Broncos will place left tackle Ryan Clady in season-ending injured reserve Wednesday, according to multiple reports.
The All-Pro suffered a Lisfranc sprain in the arch of his left foot in the final minutes of the Broncos’ 41-23 victory over the New York Giants on Sunday.
The Broncos were hoping the anchor of their offensive line could return to protect quarterback Peyton Manning before the end of the season, but medical tests on Tuesday ruled that out. The normal recovery time from the Lisfranc injury is three to four months.
Chris Clark, who was signed Friday, will step in as Denver’s starting left tackle on Monday night against the Oakland Raiders. Clark started 12 games for the Indianapolis Colts last season.
“He got a lot of work in training camp as well as the preseason games,” Broncos coach John Fox said Monday of Clark. “We have the utmost confidence in Chris Clark.”
According to ESPN, the Broncos signed offensive tackle Winston Justice on Wednesday to a veteran minimum contract with the possibility to make $350,000 in incentives.
Clady signed a five-year, $52.5 million contract extension in mid-July that included $15 million in salary and signing bonuses this season, making him the team’s second highest-paid player behind Manning.
The former first-round draft pick had started 82 consecutive regular-season games since 2008.