In a blow to their secondary for the final three games of the season, the Denver Broncos have placed starting safety Justin Simmons on injured reserve.
Simmons had been the Broncos’ second-leading tackler through the first 12 games, but after the third defensive play of game 13, he suffered a serious left ankle injury while celebrating with teammate Brandon Marshall on a strip sack and fumble recovery.
Marshall had stripped the ball from New York Jets’ quarterback Josh McCown and Broncos’ defensive end Adam Gotsis recovered at the Jets’ 20.
The turnover set off Simmons and Marshall to celebrate with a leap and body bump. As Simmons came down, his left foot stepped on Marshall’s foot.
Simmons’ foot twisted grotesquely and he didn’t play the rest of the game. He left the stadium with a protective boot on his left foot and Broncos head coach Vance Joseph said the next day Simmons had suffered a “mild, high-ankle sprain.’’
Further medical review determined the ankle had suffered a little more serious damage.
Will Parks, who had been the Broncos’ No. 3 safety all year, will move up to starter alongside Darian Stewart. Undrafted rookie Jamal Carter will now be the No. 3 safety, although No. 3 cornerback Bradley Roby can also play safety.
The Broncos play the Indianapolis Colts on Thursday night at Lucas Oil Stadium with the game televised on 9NEWS. Kickoff is at 6:25 p.m.
