Derek Wolfe Out vs. Chiefs, Recovering at Denver Hospital
Nov 24, 2013; Foxborough, MA, USA; New England Patriots quarterback Tom Brady (12) is pressured by Denver Broncos defensive end Derek Wolfe (95) and cornerback Chris Harris Jr. (25) during second quarter at Gillette Stadium Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Greg M. Cooper-USA TODAY Sports
In a month’s time, the Broncos have had now three members of their organization hospitalized needing emergency medical attention.
Defensive end Derek Wolfe, the team’s top pick in 2012, is reportedly alert and recovering at a Denver hospital after experiencing seizure-like symptoms on the team bus headed to the airport.
It was determined that Wolfe didn’t have a full seizure or stroke, but doctors are working to discover the source of his symptoms while he recovers.
Wolfe was communicating with others and was reportedly doing better Saturday, but still this is a scary bit of news for the young Bronco.
Earlier in November, John Fox was hospitalized and needed aortic valve surgery while safety Rahim Moore experienced a very rare leg condition called compartment syndrome, and had to be put on the IR/recall list.
Wolfe hadn’t been on the injury report all week and went through Friday practice as planned and expected, but sometimes things like this just creep up on you. This isn’t the first injury/health-related issue that Wolfe has gone through this year.
Wolfe suffered a gruesome back injury against the Seahawks in the pre-season that looked bad enough that many felt like he’d be out for a long time, but he returned to the field quickly and even flew home with the Broncos that night.
Then, Wolfe had food poisoning in September and reportedly struggled to keep his weight up, but he hasn’t missed any time on the field.
The absence of Wolfe means the Broncos will be without two opening day starters on their defensive line with Kevin Vickerson heading to injured reserve. It also means the Broncos will have to go with some different combinations at the defensive end position. Robert Ayers, Shaun Phillips, and Malik Jackson are the only other players on the Broncos’ roster listed at defensive end.