Report: Flacco could miss 5-6 weeks with neck injury, but surgery unlikely

Based on the initial tests on his injured neck, Denver Broncos quarterback Joe Flacco could be out for five-to-six weeks, a source told NFL Network's Ian Rapoport.

Flacco is unlikely to undergo surgery and his career is not in jeopardy, Rapoport added, but being placed on injured reserve remains a possibility.

Broncos head coach Vic Fangio announced Monday that Flacco won't play in Week 9 due to a herniated disc in his neck, but said he would need more information before making a decision on the pivot's roster spot.

Fourth-year quarterback Brandon Allen, a sixth-round pick of the Jacksonville Jaguars in 2016, will get his first career start Sunday against the Cleveland Browns. Rookie second-rounder Drew Lock remains on injured reserve with a thumb injury.

Since being acquired from the Baltimore Ravens this past offseason, the 34-year-old Flacco has completed 65% of his passes for just six touchdowns and five interceptions across eight starts for the 2-6 Broncos.