Broncos S Justin Simmons Picks Up Minor Groin Injury

Denver Broncos star safety Justin Simmons, who has missed the last few days of training camp, recently "tweaked" his groin during practice, head coach Sean Payton disclosed Monday.

Payton emphasized that the injury is not considered serious and Simmons' absence is precautionary in nature.

“We’re just being smart with it," he told reporters.

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Fresh off his third-career second-team All-Pro selection, Simmons was enjoying a terrific camp prior to the groin issue, repeatedly intercepting quarterback Russell Wilson and captaining a secondary that's dominated its offensive Broncos counterparts.

“He’s the player we knew he was back when we had to play against him," Payton said Saturday, referencing his tenure with the Saints. "He’s certainly smart, he’s got really good length and good ball skills."

Though Simmons shouldn't be sidelined for long, he's now unlikely to play in Friday's preseason opener at Arizona. This pushes emerging pro Caden Sterns into the top safety role, graybeard Kareem Jackson back into the starting lineup, and creates additional snaps for reserves PJ Locke, JL Skinner, Delarrin Turner-Yell, and Devon Key.

Payton reiterated Monday that Denver's starters will suit up for (at least) a series or two against the Cardinals.

“I don’t look at length, I look at snaps. So, I don’t know, 15 snaps, 17, 18 snaps," he said. "Somewhere in there.”

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