Surgery a threat to Ware’s career

needs season-ending back surgery that could spell the end of the outside linebacker’s NFL career.

The Broncos placed Ware on injured reserve Wednesday along with cornerback who sustained a concussion last weekend in Kansas City.

Ware took a big pay cut to return to the Broncos after winning his first Super Bowl ring, but he missed almost all of the offseason with back troubles and then broke his left forearm Sept. 18. The 12year veteran had four sacks in 10 games, giving him 1381⁄2 for his career, sixth all-time.

DeMarcus Ware Kayvon Webster,

Buccaneers running back

was suspended four games for violating the NFL’s policy on performance-enhancing substances and said he’s entering a treatment facility rather than appeal the ban.

The two-time Pro Bowl selection, who was the league’s second-leading rusher in 2015 with 1,402 yards, will miss Sunday’s regular-season finale against the Panthers. He also sat out last week’s 31-24 loss in New Orleans after being declared inactive.

Martin signed a fiveyear, $37.75 million contract in the offseason.

Doug Martin

While stopping short of officially announcing his retirement, Ravens wide receiver

has strongly indicated that Sunday’s game against the Bengals may be his last.

Smith, 37, has not completely closed the door on returning for a 17th pro

Steve Smith

season but said he’s “trying to get to Sunday without crying like a little kid.” Regarding the season finale, Smith said, “For 2016-17 and beyond, it’s probably my last game.”

Smith’s 14,697 receiving yards are seventh in league history while his 1,028 receptions rank 12th.

III Jalen Ramsey Luke Kuechly, Khiry Robinson

Browns quarterback

remains in concussion protocol and could miss the season finale in Pittsburgh.

Griffin was not on the practice field Wednesday. He was sacked seven times and got hurt in the fourth quarter of last week’s win over the Chargers.

Robert Griffin

The Hall of Fame game will be played on a Thursday night next August, two days before the inductions into the pro football shrine. Previously, it was played on a Sunday night, one night after the inductions. Last summer’s game was canceled because of an unplayable field . ... Jaguars rookie CB

was named AFC Defensive Player of the Week after having four solo tackles, four passes defensed and a pick-six in a victory over the Titans . ... Bengals WR (hamstring) will sit out the season finale, leaving him 66 yards shy of a sixth straight season with 1,000 receiving yards . ... Panthers LB who has not played since Nov. 17, won’t return against the Buccaneers despite being cleared from the NFL’s concussion protocol three weeks ago. QB

was held out of passing drills . ... The Jets placed RB

on IR after he broke his right leg for the third time in 13 months.

A.J. Green Cam Newton