DeMarcus Ware

Former Dallas Cowboys and Denver Broncos pass rusher DeMarcus Ware announced his retirement from the NFL Monday.

Fantasy Impact

Ware is retiring after 12 seasons in the NFL. He played with the Cowboys from 2005-2013, and finished his career in Denver from 2014-2016. The potential future Hall of Fame pass rusher accumulated 654 combined tackles, 138.5 sacks -- which is good for eighth on the all-time sack list -- three interceptions and a touchdown while appearing in 178 games.

Denver Broncos beat writer Mike Klis is reporting pass rusher DeMarcus Ware will test the open market.

Fantasy Impact

Upon meeting with Broncos general manager John Elway and head coach Vance Joseph Tuesday, Ware left the meeting without a deal. He will test the open free agent market. However, Klis reports that Denver will "closely monitor" their veteran pass rusher's movements. Coming off of an injury-plagued 2016 season in which he landed on IR with a back injury, he only played in a career-low 10 games accumulating 15 total tackles and four sacks. Expect the Cowboys, who have a dire need at pass rusher, to pursue their once prominent defensive star for 2017.

The Denver Broncos placed pass rusher DeMarcus Ware (back) on the injured reserve list Wednesday.

Fantasy Impact

Ware, who only played 10 games in 2016, was placed on IR Wednesday due to a back injury. ESPN's Adam Schefter suggests that the 34-year-old pass rusher could be leaning toward his retirement from the NFL after 12 seasons in the league.

Demarcus Ware said that he played last week's game against the Chargers (his first game back since 9/18) at about 70%, but is now back to normal heading into the Broncos' Week 9 AFC West showdown against the Raiders.

Fantasy Impact

Ware didn't record any statistics in 26 plays last week, which would seem to back up Ware's statement about his condition. The Broncos will need him back at full strength this week against the Raiders' top-5 offensive line unit and QB Derek Carr, who is having the best year of his career.

Broncos OLB Demarcus Ware practiced on Wednesday for the first time since suffering a fractured forearm in Week 2. He was limited and is not expected to make his debut this week. The Broncos' Week 9 tilt against the Raiders is probably a realistic expectation for his return.

Fantasy Impact

Ware had an eventful week after losing his Super Bowl ring in a home burglary during the Broncos' Monday night game, getting it back after police caught the suspects, then returning to practice for the first time since Week 2. Ware's return will be a very welcome addition to a Broncos' defense that has made due pretty well without him. He should supply a nice source of sacks upon his return in IDP leagues as well.