48 Shaquil Barrett LB

Barrett missed Wednesday's practice due to a hamstring issue, Troy Renck of Denver 7 News reports.

The extent of Barrett's hamstring injury hasn't been revealed, but given the nature of these types of issues, it wouldn't be surprising if the Broncos take a cautious route toward easing him back into the swing of things. Barrett has impressed those close to the organization, especially his teammate Von Miller who thinks Barrett could someday eclipse 10 sacks in a season. With a shared belief in his upside, the Broncos may opt to allocate as much rest as possible for Barrett's recovery process.

Teammate Von Miller believes that a 10-sack campaign could be in Barrett's future, Aric DiLalla of the Broncos' official site reports.

Barrett has been a solid undrafted find for the Broncos since bursting onto the scene in 2015, contributing 5.5 sacks during the Broncos' Super Bowl season. He has recorded just 5.5 sacks in the two seasons since, however, and has been more adept at setting the edge against the run than getting to the passer. Contract seasons, like the one Barrett is entering, can often provide strong motivation for players. If he's to come anywhere near Miller's prediction, though, he'll likely first have to beat out rookie first-round pick Bradley Chubb for the strongside spot opposite Miller -- a battle worth watching for in camp.

Barrett officially signed his restricted free-agent tender Monday, Ian Rapoport of the NFL Network reports.

Barrett is now under contract for one more season at a $2.9 million price tag. Though he remains behind Von Miller and Shane Ray on the depth chart, Barrett is a valuable piece of the Broncos' pass-rush who collected 123 tackles with 11 sacks over the past three seasons -- while never missing a single game. However, Barrett won't be worthy of IDP consideration until he earns a starter's share of snaps.

The Broncos are placing a second-round restricted free agent tender on Barrett, Troy Renck of Denver 7 News reports.

Signed as an undrafted free agent in 2014, the 25-year-old outside linebacker averaged 41 tackles and 3.7 sacks per season without missing a game the past three years. He's good enough to warrant a multi-year deal with significant guarantees, but it's unlikely any team would surrender a second-round pick for the right to give him that contract. Barrett thus figures to be back in Denver for at least one more season, though he may have to share snaps with 2015 first-round pick Shane Ray (wrist).

Barrett is expected to start at strong-side linebacker during the Broncos' final two games of the season, Nicki Jhabvala of The Denver Post reports.

With Shane Ray requiring his third surgery on his left wrist in less than four months and landing on injured reserve for the second time this season, Barrett is first in line to fill the edge-rushing void. Prior to Ray's return from his first IR stint in Week 8, Barrett had thrived in a starting role, accruing 19 tackles (15 sacks) and three sacks in seven contests. He'll draw a favorable matchup right away Sunday against a banged-up Redskins offensive line that could be missing star left tackle Trent Williams (knee).