ENGLEWOOD, Colo. — The Broncos have placed veteran defensive end Derek Wolfe on injured reserve, the team announced Tuesday.

Wolfe, who injured his elbow late in the Broncos' 23-20 win over the Chargers, had two sacks in the game and reached a single-season career high with seven total sacks on the year.

Head Coach Vic Fangio said Monday that he thought Wolfe would be able to avoid surgery.

"I don't think it needs surgery, but he did dislocate his elbow," Fangio said. "The time involved with that healing and where we are in the season probably precludes him from playing anymore."