Justin Simmons could be iffy on short week after ankle injury

DENVER, CO - OCTOBER 1: Strong safety Justin Simmons #31 of the Denver Broncos points to the stands as he walks off the field after a 16-10 win over the Oakland Raiders at Sports Authority Field at Mile High on October 1, 2017 in Denver, Colorado. (Photo by Justin Edmonds/Getty Images)
DENVER, CO - OCTOBER 1: Strong safety Justin Simmons #31 of the Denver Broncos points to the stands as he walks off the field after a 16-10 win over the Oakland Raiders at Sports Authority Field at Mile High on October 1, 2017 in Denver, Colorado. (Photo by Justin Edmonds/Getty Images) /
facebooktwitterreddit

Denver Broncos starting safety Justin Simmons could be iffy for the Thursday game against the Colts with the ankle injury he suffered vs. New York…

The Denver Broncos got the win against the New York Jets on Sunday, and in impressive shutout fashion.

They did so without the help — mostly — of starting safety Justin Simmons, who has been excellent all season as the replacement for T.J. Ward.

Simmons only played three snaps before going down with what is being classified as a ‘slightly sprained ankle’ which he suffered while celebrating Brandon Marshall’s strip-sack of Josh McCown.

Head coach Vance Joseph said that it was just a ‘freak’ thing and that he won’t discourage Simmons or any player for that matter from celebrating big plays and having fun.

More from Predominantly Orange

Since the Broncos are on a short week this week against the Indianapolis Colts, any sort of ankle injury for a player would seem to put that player’s game status in doubt, particularly a defensive back.

Simmons has been excellent for the Broncos this season, both in coverage and against the run. He’s had his mis-steps, sure, but for the most part, he’s established himself as a very good starting safety already in the NFL, and he’s only going to continue to get better.

He picked off a Jay Cutler pass two weeks ago in Miami, and took it back for a score.

So far this season, Simmons has 46 tackles, two interceptions, and 1.5 sacks. He’s showing off his great range and athletic ability on the back end of that Denver defense.

If Simmons is unable to play on Thursday against the Giants, the Broncos will lean heavily on Will Parks, who played very solid in relief of Simmons on Sunday.

Parks had a penalty in coverage but aside from that, he held his own.

We’ll have more on Simmons’ game status as the situation develops.