Broncos fullback Andy Janovich dislocated his right elbow during Sunday’s 27-23 loss to the Vikings. Janovich will be placed on season-ending injured reserve, coach Vic Fangio announced Monday.
After placing Janovich on injured reserve, the team will have an open spot on the 53-man roster.
It’s a disappointing end to the season for Janovich, who helped Denver build a 20-0 halftime lead in Minnesota before later exiting the game. The 6-1, 238-pound fullback has scored in each of his first four years in the NFL, including a one-yard touchdown run on Sunday.
Used primarily as a blocker on offense and as a special teams contributor, Janovich has totaled 284 yards from scrimmage and has scored four touchdowns since being selected by the Broncos in the sixth round of the 2016 NFL draft out of Nebraska.
Janovich missed Denver’s first three games of the season with a shoulder injury. Tight end/fullback Andrew Beck filled in for Janovich at the beginning of the year and he will likely have an increased role in the team’s final six games of the season.
After returning from his shoulder injury in October, Janovich signed a three-year, $5.7 million contract extension, making him the NFL’s third-highest paid fullback. He’s now under contract through the 2022 season.
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