Broncos’ Ware to undergo surgery, placed on IR list

Brady returns to practice

NEW YORK, Dec 30, (RTRS): Denver Broncos outside linebacker DeMarcus Ware has a ruptured disc in his back and will undergo surgery on Friday, Broncos coach Gary Kubiak said Thursday.

Ware was also officially placed on the injured reserve list.

The news that Ware, a nine-time Pro Bowl selection, requires back surgery suggests his time with the Broncos may be over, since he becomes a free agent in the offseason. Ware turns 35 years old on July 31, and his future as an NFL player is also in question now.

Ware suffered back problems throughout the 2015 season and missed the entire offseason because of a back injury. He returned for 2016, but only after restructuring his contract.

The Broncos also put cornerback Kayvon Webster (concussion) on injured reserve.

Buffalo Bills quarterback Tyrod Taylor will travel to Philadelphia sometime in the next several days to determine whether he needs groin or hernia surgery, the Buffalo News reported.

The determination of Taylor’s injury status could have a significant impact on the Bills’ financial obligations.

New England Patriots quarterback Tom Brady returned to practice one day removed from sitting out due to a thigh issue.

Brady is expected to play on Sunday (1 pm ET) when New England (13-2) attempts to wrap up the top seed in the AFC and homefield advantage with a win over host Miami (10-5).

Wide receivers Danny Amendola (ankle) and Malcolm Mitchell (knee) sat out their second straight practice while cornerback Cyrus Jones (knee) missed Thursday’s session after being limited on Wednesday.

Carolina Panthers quarterback Cam Newton sat out of practice due to a shoulder injury.

Backup Derek Anderson was battling an illness, leaving third-stringer Joe Webb to take all the snaps in practice.

Newton is expected to play for Carolina (6-9) in the season finale against the host Tampa Bay Buccaneers (8-7) on Sunday (1 pm ET).

Cincinnati Bengals tight end Tyler Eifert underwent back surgery earlier this week, coach Marvin Lewis revealed on Sirius XM NFL Radio.

Eifert sat out Saturday’s 12-10 loss to the Houston Texans and was placed on injured reserve two days later.

The 26-year-old Eifert, who had surgery Tuesday, was recovering from offseason ankle surgery brought about from an injury he sustained during the Pro Bowl.