After missing the Broncos’ last two games, safety Caden Sterns has been placed on the injured reserve list, according to Aaron Wilson of Pro Football Focus. Sterns will now be forced to miss four more games before he can return to play for Denver. 
Sterns is planted firmly in a backup role behind one of the NFL’s better starting safety duos: Kareem Jackson and Justin Simmons. Sterns showed his value as the next man up, though, as Simmons spent four weeks recovering from a quad injury earlier this year. Sterns made the most of his opportunities, registering two interceptions and four passes defensed in his time spelling Simmons.
With Simmons returning back to the lineup, Sterns was set to go back to a rotational role, subbing in for certain packages or when Simmons or Jackson need a breather. Unfortunately, Sterns experienced a flare up with a hip issue that had been ailing him since the preseason. The ongoing issue has reared its ugly head and will now hold Sterns out through most of November.
Denver will move forward with its top two safeties carrying the brunt of the work at the position. Backup safety P.J. Locke will serve as the primary backup safety. The team also has fifth-round rookie Delarrin Turner-Yell, who has mostly played on special teams this year, and veteran Anthony Harris on the practice squad.
If the Broncos designate Sterns to return, he will be eligible for the team’s Week 13 matchup in Baltimore.