Broncos Linebacker Alexander Johnson Torn Pectoral, Out For Season

New York Jets v Denver Broncos

Linebacker Alexander Johnson celebrates after 1 of his 2 sacks vs. Jets on Sept. 26th (Photo: Justin Edmonds/Getty Images)Photo: Getty Images North America

The injury bug continues to bite as linebacker Alexander Johnson is out for the season after suffering a torn pectoral muscle in Sunday's 34-24 loss to the Raiders. Head Coach Vic Fangio said Monday, "he's got a pec injury and he'll miss the rest of the season."

Johnson, who was the team's leading tackler in 2020, was at the top of that category again heading into Sunday's game. He also took over play calling duties when fellow inside linebacker, Josey Jewell, was lost in the middle of the week 2 win in Jacksonville, coincidentally, with a torn pectoral muscle as well.

In addition to the Johnson injury, the Broncos will be even thinner in the middle as rookie Baron Browning suffered a concussion Sunday and won't clear protocol in time to play this week.

2nd year linebacker Justin Strnad called the defense once Jackson left the game, and Fangio said, "yeah that's the way it will be right now, we'll see how Kise (Micah Kiser) can do with it also and make a decision by game time."

The recently acquired Kiser, started 9 games last season for the Rams at inside linebacker. Fangio also said it was likely practice squad linebackers Barrington Wade and Curtis Robinson could be elevated this week as well.

Players are off today, and will hold a walkthrough Tuesday and Wednesday before boarding a plane to Cleveland where they'll play the Browns Thursday night.


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