Patrick Surtain is predicted to overlook time with a pectoral damage sustained within the second quarter Sunday, veteran insider Jordan Schultz reports. A four- to six-week timetable is being floated right here, through Schultz, although the reigning Defensive Participant of the 12 months is ticketed for a second opinion. Both means, it seems the Broncos’ protection shall be dealt a big blow.
Surgical procedure is just not within the playing cards right here, per Schultz, clearly representing excellent news for the AFC West leaders. It’s a pec pressure, per NFL.com’s Ian Rapoport and Tom Pelissero. Whereas that is being labeled “week to week,” the NFL.com duo notes IR is feasible right here. This comes at a pivotal level on the Broncos’ schedule, because the staff has video games towards the Texans and Chiefs within the subsequent 4 weeks. An IR keep would shelve Surtain for the primary of the Kansas Metropolis matchups, together with video games towards the Raiders and Commanders.
Patrick Surtain’s damage may threaten Broncos’ momentum
Whereas this may be considered as constructive information, as a torn pec may have ended Surtain’s season, it threatens to restrict the Broncos throughout their finest stretch in in all probability 10 years. Surtain recurrently travels with groups’ finest receivers, often getting the perfect of them and offering an amazing increase to a vaunted Broncos cross rush — one which leads the NFL in sacks. Denver adjusted towards a high-powered Dallas offense within the second half, however groups game-planning for a Surtain-less protection will present a bonus.
Surtain, 25, has been a top-tier cornerback for many of his profession. The three-time All-Professional was initially a vibrant spot on slumping Broncos groups early in his profession. Denver rejected trades for the influence defender on the 2023 deadline and prolonged him simply earlier than the 2024 season. That proved to characterize nice timing for the Broncos, who noticed the Alabama product leap onto the DPOY perch final season. Surtain intercepted 4 passes and picked up his second first-team All-Professional nod, serving to the Broncos rank third defensively and set a franchise file with 63 sacks.
Denver is pretty deep at nook, however Surtain’s absence will clearly be troublesome to match. Riley Moss is the staff’s different boundary nook, with Ja’Quan McMillian manning the slot. First-round decide Jahdae Barron, who performed inside and outdoors at Texas, has been eased into motion. Whereas Barron could possibly be an choice to see a while outdoors rather than Surtain, the Broncos used second-year participant Kris Abrams-Draine in his place within the second half towards the Cowboys.
The Broncos additionally haven’t wanted to play a lot with out Surtain in the course of the former top-10 decide’s profession. He missed a recreation his rookie yr and one final season, enjoying in all 17 contests in 2022 and 2023. The Broncos held the Cowboys’ first-string offense to only one landing after halftime sans Surtain on Sunday. It is going to be attention-grabbing to see how Vance Joseph arranges his items with out his ace cowl man throughout his anticipated absence.
