Denver Broncos fans were left anxiously watching when starting cornerback Riley Moss was forced to leave in the second quarter of
Sunday’s road game against the Las Vegas Raiders. Moss suffered a knee injury after being inadvertently hit during a tackle in a pileup. He
did not return to the game. Given his crucial role as the team’s second-leading tackler, the prospect of losing him for an extended period
could be a significant blow to the defense. However, Broncos head coach Sean Payton alleviated concerns in his post-game remarks
following the team’s 29-19 victory over the Raiders. “Fortunately, it wasn’t really serious with Riley. It’s an MCL,” Payton stated. “I’m not going to
give specifics. We’ll see how next week goes. There was some thought he could return, but we’ll assess his condition as we move forward.”
Payton is known for being cautious when discussing injuries, particularly after games, but his comments provided a reassuring update on
Moss’s condition. The Broncos defense clearly missed Moss during his absence, as there were notable coverage issues in the second half, and
his physical presence was sorely lacking. Moss’s impact is evident in his statistics—despite missing part of the game, he finished with four
solo tackles, ranking fifth on the team. It is rare for a cornerback to challenge for the team’s lead in tackles, underscoring the versatility and
aggression Moss brings to the defense. Levi Wallace stepped in for Moss following the injury, and while he is reliable in coverage, he doesn’t
match Moss’s intensity in run support. Despite the adjustment, the Broncos defense still successfully contained Raiders tight end Brock
Bowers, limiting him to just four receptions for 38 yards on 10 targets. “Anytime you lose one of your top corners, it changes things,” Payton
acknowledged. “But we stuck to our plan for Bowers, which involved Pat and some doubles. Levi came in, and it was the next man up.”
Looking ahead, the Broncos benefit from a longer break before their next game, hosting the Cleveland Browns on Monday, December 2. This
extra day could give Moss the recovery time he needs to return to action. If he is unable to play in Week 13, the Broncos will have a bye week following the Browns game, providing additional rest.
Moss, a 2023 third-round draft pick from Iowa, has been a revelation this season. After earning a starting role in training camp, he has delivered consistently strong performances. On the season, Moss has compiled 71 tackles, one interception, one forced fumble, one fumble recovery, and seven pass break-ups, solidifying his place as a key figure in the Broncos’ secondary.