David Berding-USA TODAY Sports
Report: FB Andy Janovich Suffered Dislocated Elbow, Done for Season
After sitting out the first few weeks of the season with a pectoral injury, fullback Andy Janovich finally rejoined the Denver Broncos in Week 4. As the lead-blocker in the Broncos' ground attack, Janovich proved his value.
In Week 11, Janovich caught a simple outlet pass in the left flat and was immediately tackled by a Minnesota Viking. As he hit the ground, the full force and weight of both Janovich and the tackler came down on the fullback's elbow and he cried out in pain.
Janovich never returned and after the Broncos' 27-23 loss to the Vikings, 9NEWS' Mike Klis reported that the fullback suffered a dislocated elbow and will miss the rest of the season. You hate to see such an injury and especially to a player as valuable as Janovich is.
Just a quarter before, Janovich's second and third effort on a goal-line dive resulted in him breaking the plane and putting a Broncos touchdown on the board. He is a fullback but even so, he's about as valuable as any player at his position across the league.
The Broncos drafted Janovich in the sixth round back in 2016 and his career started as auspiciously as can be, as he took his first career carry 28 yards to the house. Fast forward to 2019 and even after he missed the first three games of the season, the Broncos signed Janovich to a three-year, $5.7 million extension.
It was great to see a homegrown Bronco make good, but alas, we'll have to wait to see how the Janovich legend continues to grow in 2020. The Broncos could activate undrafted rookie fullback George Aston off the practice squad.
But the more likely tack from the Broncos will be to utilize tight end Andrew Beck as the fullback in the offense, opening up Janovich's roster spot for, say, QB Drew Lock.
Follow Chad on Twitter @ChadNJensen and @MileHighHuddle.
