Denver Broncos inside linebacker Josey Jewell will miss the rest of the 2021 season after tearing a pectoral muscle, according to a report from NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport.
Jewell suffered the injury during Sunday’s 23-13 win over the Jacksonville Jaguars. Before leaving the game, Jewell totaled three tackles.
Justin Strand replaced Jewell in Jacksonville and totaled five tackles. Strand will likely be the next man up to start in Jewell’s place.
Denver also has Baron Browning — a third-round rookie — but he played exclusively on special teams in Week 2.
Jewell (6-1, 236 pounds) joined the Broncos as a fourth-round pick out of Iowa in 2018. He became a full-time starter last year, starting all 16 games next to Alexander Johnson at inside linebacker.
Since joining the team four years ago, Jewell has totaled 217 tackles, eight pass breakups and 3.5 sacks in 49 games (30 starts). He is scheduled to become an unrestricted free agent next spring.
Strnad is considered a first-year player after spending the 2020 season on injured reserve with a wrist injury. He was selected by Denver in the fifth round of last year’s NFL draft out of Wake Forest. Strnad has recorded seven tackles through his first two games this season.
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