Broncos HC Nathaniel Hackett told reporters Wednesday that S Justin Simmons will miss "some time" with a thigh injury he suffered in Monday night's opener. NFL Network's James Palmer reports that he's "hearing" Simmons will land on short-term IR. That would mean at least 4 missed games. Caden Sterns and P.J. Locke look like the fill-in candidates. Denver also added S Anthony Harris to the practice squad Wednesday.

The Broncos have downgraded S Justin Simmons (knee) to out for today's game against the Titans. P.J. Locke looks like the next man up, with S Caden Sterns on IR. Locke -- in his 3rd season -- has never started an NFL game and thus doesn't make for a terrific IDP option this week.

Broncos S Justin Simons (knee) is questionable for Sunday's game against the Titans. He missed Wednesday's practice before returning for 2 limited days. We'll see about his status Sunday morning. Denver ruled EDGE Baron Browning (hip) out for the game.

Broncos S Justin Simmons (knee) and EDGE Baron Browning (hip) missed Wednesday's practice, though each was reportedly working on a side field. HC Nathaniel Hackett deemed each player day-to-day afterward, though it's never a good sign to miss the 1st practice coming out of a bye week. EDGE Randy Gregory also worked on a side field but remains on IR. He has been out since Week 4 with a knee injury. "We're going to start working him in, and we're hoping he gets back sooner rather than later," Hackett said, according to the team website. "He's really doing well in the rehab room."

The Broncos have designated S Justin Simmons (thigh) to return from IR this week. The team also released 3 players Tuesday to make room on the 53-man roster for the injured guys to return. We'll watch this week to confirm that Simmons is ready for game action.

The Broncos have applied the franchise tag to S Justin Simmons. The 27-year-old has spent all 5 of his seasons in Denver, since arriving as a 3rd-round pick in the 2016 NFL Draft. He has spent the past 4 as a full-time starter, topping 90 tackles each of the past 3 years and collecting 12 INTs over that span. Simmons has finished each of the past 2 seasons among the top 12 fantasy DBs. Expect him to land around there in our 2021 IDP rankings.