Justin time: Simmons returns to practice in wake of Miami debacle

ENGLEWOOD, Colo. — The Broncos tried to make do against the Miami Dolphins without Justin Simmons at safety. It went poorly — starting with Miami setting up first-time NFL starter Delarrin Turner-Yell to be caught out of position, leading to a wide-open Tyreek Hill catching a 54-yard touchdown pass three snaps into the 70-20 debacle.

But good news for the Broncos arrived with Simmons at practice for the first time since he injured his hip in the Week 2 loss to the Washington Commanders.

“I feel a lot better,” Simmons said after the practice, in which he saw limited repetitions.

The injury is the second for Simmons this season. He missed much of training camp and the entire preseason due to groin injury. Simmons also missed five games last year, including four during an early-season stint on injured reserve (Weeks 2-5).

But while Simmons returned, inside linebacker Josey Jewell did not practice. He worked out with the Broncos’ other injured players after suffering a groin injury against Miami. Rookie Drew Sanders took Jewell’s place in the lineup.

BEYOND JUSTIN SIMMONS, OTHERS REMAINED SIDELINED

The north practice field reserved for players recovering from injury remained filled. Edge rusher Frank Clark, who sustained a hip injury a fortnight ago, worked out on that field. He hasn’t played or practiced since then.

Joining Clark and Jewell on that field were six other players:

• Inside linebacker Baron Browning
• Tight end Greg Dulcich
• Safety P.J. Locke
• Offensive lineman Alex Palczewski
• Nose tackle Mike Purcell
• Cornerback K’Waun Williams

Purcell played last Sunday. Browning is on the physically-unable-to-perform list and is eligible to return next week. Locke, Palczewski and Williams are eligible to return as early as next week. The earliest possible activation date for Dulcich is Oct. 12 at Kansas City.

***

Related

Report: Jonathon Cooper completes counseling and mental health programSean Payton tied for worst odds to win NFL Coach of the YearNik Bonitto joins group of stars investing in OKC soccer teamBroncos may have their new interior pass-rush specialist already set to goDover and Cecil project a monster year for Bo Nix in 2026Broncos No. 31 in the NFL in ESPN’s under-25 Power Rankings