Broncos TE Heuerman out for year with 3 broken ribs, bruised lung

Nov 26, 2018, 12:31 PM Updated: 4:48 pm

Denver Broncos tight end Jeff Heuerman (82) makes a reception during a game between the Denver Broncos and the Houston Texans on November 4, 2018, at Broncos Stadium at Mile High, Denver, CO. (Photo by Rich Gabrielson/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)

(Photo by Rich Gabrielson/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)

One of Denver Broncos quarterback Case Keenum’s favorite targets of late will miss the remainder of the 2018 season.

Broncos head coach Vance Joseph confirmed on Monday that tight end Jeff Heuerman suffered three broken ribs and a bruised lung in a victory over the Pittsburgh Steelers on Sunday.

“Obviously, Heuerman is a big loss,” Joseph said. “We’ve lost three guys in that room so far with (Jake) Butt, (Troy) Fumagalli, and now Jeff. He was having a great year, he’s a great leader for that room, and so he will be missed.

“We’ve got some guys that we feel good about in Matt (LaCosse) — he’s playing good football — and (Brian) Parker. Next man up, we’ve got to move on.”

According to 9News’ Mike Klis, who first reported Heuerman’s status midday Monday, the Broncos are expected to call up Temarrick Hemingway from the practice squad to join Parker and LaCosse in the tight ends room.

Heuerman had been amid statistically the best season of his career, earning numerous targets as of late. Through 11 games (10 starts), Heuerman had 31 receptions on 48 targets for 281 yards and two touchdowns.

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