Denver Broncos: Derek Wolfe’s neck injury is very serious
Denver Broncos defensive end Derek Wolfe left Sunday’s game in Oakland with a neck injury, and it sounds like it’s very, very serious…
The Denver Broncos set out to add toughness and physicality to their defense when they made Derek Wolfe their top pick in the 2012 NFL Draft.
So far, the former Cincinnati Bearcat has not disappointed.
Wolfe has been a model of toughness for the Broncos, playing through injuries and fighting his way back quickly from others. But Sunday against the Oakland Raiders, Wolfe suffered another neck injury that put him out of the game, and knowing how much Wolfe fights through, him coming out was a sign of the severity of the injury.
The interview, on the whole, is a must-listen. It’s filled with nuggets from Wolfe about how the Cincinnati Bengals deliberately went at his neck on the first play of the game two weeks ago in Denver, and that the Raiders essentially did the same thing, knowing he’s had a history of neck issues.
Wolfe revealed in this interview that he was experiencing numbness in his face and down to his thigh, and after initial testing, doctors determined that there would need to be more testing to figure out what exactly is going on.
He also said he had no feeling in his hand for ‘most of’ last week following the Bengals’ game.
Wolfe assured listeners that what he’s going through is not ‘life-threatening’, but that it’s also not just a normal ‘stinger’ either.
As he recalls it, he jumped up to try and bat a pass and the offensive lineman punched him in the facemask. He said it was not a malicious hit and wasn’t painful, but when he experienced numbness after the hit, he knew something was off.
Wolfe was asked specifically if he’s even thinking about playing going forward. His response:
"“You know, if it was for me, for me I would be just dealing with it. They took me off the field and took my helmet away from me. They took me in a tent and took my helmet away…”Derek Wolfe (on 104.3 The Fan)"
More from Predominantly Orange
- Broncos chances of landing Sean Payton dwindling, but not gone
- Denver Broncos dream coaching staff for DeMeco Ryans
- Denver Broncos: “Sleeper” David Shaw checks every box
- The Broncos’ coaching search likely has not gone to plan
- Special Chiefs Suck Offer: Bet $5, Win $150 if Joe Burrow Passes for ONE YARD vs KC
Obviously the rest of the 2017 season seems to be over. The Broncos haven’t officially placed him on injured reserve, but hearing the way he talked about the injury and the numbness here — they would be foolish not to shut him down and not risk further injury.
Wolfe is understandably concerned about his future. He is a tough guy who has played through a lot for the Broncos, but he knows the time has come to get this issue corrected. It seemed he was alluding to some type of surgery, when they figure out exactly what it is that needs to be done.
The concern for Wolfe now is his long-term health. If he can get this issue cleared up and be healthy enough to come back and play with minimal risk going forward, perhaps he will. But after winning a Super Bowl and proving himself as a stud defensive lineman in the league, Wolfe doesn’t have anything to prove to anyone.
We’re wishing the best for Wolfe and his health going forward.