Denver Broncos place DE Derek Wolfe on IR

Denver Broncos defensive end Derek Wolfe was placed on injured reserve with a neck injury, the team announced on Tuesday.

Wolfe started all 11 games in which he played this season, finishing the season with 31 tackles (18 solo) and two sacks.

Wolfe was carted off the field during the Broncos' Week 12 loss to the Oakland Raiders, and he did not play in this past Sunday's loss to Miami.

The neck injury caused some numbness in his right side. The Denver Post reported that Wolfe's injury will not require surgery, and that he will need several months to recover.

The Post also reported that Wolfe told 9News in Denver that Los Angeles-based spinal surgeon Dr. Robert Watkins informed him he had a type of spinal stenosis (narrowing of the spinal canal).

In six seasons with the Broncos, Wolfe has started all 80 regular-season games played and totaled 222 tackles, 24.5 sacks, eight passes defensed and one fumble recovery.

The Broncos also made a pair of changes to their practice squad, signing tackle Jeremiah Poutasi and waiving offensive lineman Gabe Ikard.