NFL Note - Denver Broncos Heuerman, Jeff

TE Jeff Heuerman (ribs/lung) was placed on reserve/injured by the Broncos Tuesday (Nov. 27). While he would normally eligible to be designated for return and begin practicing after missing at least six weeks and playing in eight weeks, the first game he would be available would be the Super Bowl. Heuerman, who suffered a season-ending injury during Sunday's game against Pittsburgh, started 10-of-11 games played this season for the Broncos. He posted career highs in catches (31) and yards (281) while contributing two touchdowns. Heuerman suffered three broken ribs and a bruised lung in the Broncos' 24-17 win over Pittsburgh and will miss the rest of the year. Heuerman is the third tight end to suffer a season-ending injury. Jake Butt, who was emerging as the team's top pass catcher at that position, tore his ACL in September and rookie Troy Fumagali went on injured reserve before the start of the regular season.

"Obviously, Heuerman is a big loss," head coach Vance Joseph said. "We've lost three guys in that room so far with Butt, Fumagali and now Jeff. He was having a great year, he's a great leader for that room, and so he will be missed."