Dalton Risner lands on injured reserve as his Broncos contract is set to expire

Broncos left guard Dalton Risner battled through a slew of injuries throughout the 2022 season. But after pressing through and playing in 15 of 16 games, he will finish his season on injured reserve.

The Broncos placed him on IR on Tuesday due to an elbow injury which caused him to leave Sunday’s game in the second half. Risner has also dealt with foot, shoulder and back issues in recent weeks, making him a mainstay on the injury report. He still managed to start more games than any other Broncos offensive lineman this season.

The question now for Risner is whether he returns. His rookie contract expires after the season and he is set to hit unrestricted free agency if the Broncos not re-sign him before the start of the league year.

A new coach will make that call on the Broncos’ 2022 Walter Payton Man of the Year nominee.

On the sideline, Risner was at the flashpoint of a scuffle on Christmas Day during the second half of the Broncos’ 51-14 loss to the Los Angeles Rams. Risner and Brett Rypien exchanged words, with Risner shoving the backup QB before Latavius Murray stepped in to break up the disagreement.

Quinn Bailey filled in for Risner at Kansas City.

RB Marlon Mack also landed on injured reserve Tuesday with a hamstring injury. Mack suffered the injury while returning the opening kickoff last Sunday. He will be come the 13th different Broncos player to miss at least one game due to a hamstring injury this season.

Two practice-squad players — CB Jaquan McMillian and OT Will Sherman — will replace Mack and Risner on the 53-player roster.

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