The Denver Broncos placed linebacker Nate Irving on injured reserve on Thursday with a knee injury, ending his season.

Irving was the team’s starting middle linebacker for the first eight games but suffered a partially torn medial collateral ligament in his right knee in the fourth quarter of the Broncos’ 43-21 loss at New England on Nov. 2.

Irving, who becomes an unrestricted free agent after this season, had 26 tackles and 20 assists as well as one sack in his eight games this year.

The Broncos also claimed linebacker Todd Davis off waivers from the New Orleans Saints.

Davis is a rookie who played in three games for the Saints this season after being signed as a free agent from Sacramento State University.