Broncos' Simmons to miss at least 4 games with quad injury

The Denver Broncos placed safety Justin Simmons on injured reserve with a quad injury, the team announced Wednesday.

The move will sideline Simmons for at least four games. He'll be eligible to return for Denver's Week 6 game against the Los Angeles Chargers.

Simmons sustained the ailment in the second half of the Broncos' 17-16 loss to the Seattle Seahawks on Monday night but finished the game.

The two-time All-Pro enjoyed a solid performance in Week 1, racking up nine tackles and one fumble recovery while playing all of Denver's defensive snaps.

The star defensive back has started every game for the Broncos over the last four seasons.

Simmons has been an integral part of Denver's secondary since entering the NFL as a third-round pick in 2016, averaging 88 tackles, nine pass breakups, and four interceptions per 17 games played throughout his career.

The Broncos, who have one of the league's top safety duos in Simmons and Kareem Jackson, also roster Caden Sterns and P.J. Locke at the position.

"It's hard to replace a guy like Justin Simmons," Jackson said Wednesday, according to Zac Stevens of DNVR.

The Broncos are signing veteran safety Anthony Harris to their practice squad, according to Ryan O'Halloran of The Denver Post. The 30-year-old Harris started 14 games with the Philadelphia Eagles in 2021, amassing 72 tackles and one interception.

Denver will host the Houston Texans on Sunday.