Derek Wolfe will not need surgery, shares pic of swollen ankle

Derek Wolfe was carted off of the field during Saturday’s practice. But the Denver Broncos defensive lineman noted that he avoided disaster with his injury.

ESPN’s Josina Anderson also shared that Wolfe texted her that, while it’s a bad sprain and there is a torn ligament, surgery will not be necessary. Even better, he expects to be on the field in Week 1.

While that ankle certainly looks ugly, the overall news is good.

Training camp has not been good for Denver’s pass rushers. Shane Ray is recovering from a wrist injury. Shaquil Barrett is recovering from a hip injury and still has a while before he returns. While the Broncos have a good defense, these players returning to action will be important in preventing opposing defenses from keying too much on Von Miller.

Wolfe has been an integral part of the Broncos’ pass rush since getting drafted in 2012. He recorded 5.5 sacks in 14 games for Denver in 2016, matching his 2015 output, which was done in 12 games. Those were his best seasons since 2012, when he recorded six sacks.