Once projected to miss around four months originally by Denver coach John Fox, Broncos defensive end Jason Hunter was officially placed on injured reserve on Monday according to the team's official Twitter account.
Hunter suffered a torn triceps muscle back on Aug. 14 during training camp, and it appeared unlikely he would return at any point during the 2012 campaign despite the optimistic timetable two week ago. Now that the Broncos have officially ruled him out for the season though, the 274-pound run-stopper can instead focus on getting fully healthy to open camp in 2013 as opposed to rushing himself back prematurely.
Rookie Derek Wolfe, a second-round pick out of Cincinnati, figures to see the lion's share of Hunter's playing time this season while the veteran watches from the sideline. Even though Hunter's loss remains a serious blow for Fox's team, Wolfe, who happens to lead the Broncos in preseason tackles at the moment, might just wind up running away with his expanded opportunity in the meantime.
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