Denver Broncos cornerback Pat Surtain II avoided a season-ending injury but could miss multiple games with a right ankle injury, according to ESPN's Jeremy Fowler. Surtain left Sunday's loss to the San Francisco 49ers just before halftime. His absence, even for a short time, will significantly affect the Broncos' defensive plans.
Coach Sean Payton said Monday the team will avoid updates and focus on rehab. Surtain, a two-time first-team All-Pro and the NFL's Defensive Player of the Year in 2024, is the game's best cornerback and a key to Denver's pass rush and coverage schemes. With fellow cornerback Riley Moss also injured, the defense could look vastly different.
Jahdae Barron (2025 first-round pick) and Kris Abrams-Draine (2024 fifth-round pick) played outside corner after the injuries. They held their own in individual matchups, but 49ers quarterback Brock Purdy threw for 129 of his 218 yards in the second half, including two touchdowns. Teammates expressed confidence in the backups.
The Broncos face the Los Angeles Chargers on Sunday and then a Thursday night game against the Seattle Seahawks. Surtain's status will shape how Denver constructs its pass defense, potentially limiting their ability to use dime packages and solo matchups on top receivers.
Source: ESPN NFL · Summarized by HeadlinesBriefing