San Diego Chargers inside linebacker Donald Butler is expected to miss the rest of the season with a dislocated left elbow.

Butler, the team’s second-leading tackler, was hurt just before halftime in a collision with Denver Broncos quarterback Peyton Manning. Manning briefly left the game with a thigh injury incurred when he collided with Butler attempting to throw a block for C.J. Anderson on a cutback toward the endzone at the 1-yard line.

Durability was a major question mark when general manager Tom Telesco signed the 26-year-old to a long-term deal in the offseason. Butler, who is in his fifth season, missed 24 of a possible 64 games entering the 2014 season but played in the first 14 games before Sunday’s injury.

Butler is one of the highest-paid players on the Chargers defense, signing a seven-year, $48 million contract in March that includes more than $12 million guaranteed.