In a concerning moment for the Denver Broncos last night, star cornerback Patrick Surtain II was seen limping off the field in the fourth quarter of the team’s 31-13 win over the Indianapolis Colts. Surtain sustained the injury following an interception of Colts quarterback Anthony Richardson. While attempting to bring the ball back, he was tackled low by a Colts receiver, which led to an ankle injury. The defensive standout was briefly evaluated, and after being cleared to return, he re-entered the game. Unfortunately, he aggravated the injury on the next series and was quickly ruled out for the remainder of the contest.
Fortunately, there was more reassuring news this morning regarding the severity of Surtain’s injury. According to Ian Rapoport, NFL Network’s lead insider, Surtain’s injury is diagnosed as a minor ankle sprain, offering hope for a quicker recovery than initially feared. This is a significant relief for the Broncos, as it means the injury is not as serious as it appeared during the game.
This diagnosis is the best-case scenario for the Broncos and for Surtain, who is likely to miss minimal time. However, the timing of the injury is concerning, as the Broncos face a short turnaround before their Thursday night game against the Los Angeles Chargers. While Surtain’s recovery timeline remains uncertain, his availability for the crucial matchup could be in jeopardy.
The Broncos are already missing cornerback Riley Moss, who has been sidelined for the past two games with a knee injury but is expected to return soon. The absence of both Surtain and Moss would leave the Broncos’ secondary significantly weakened. However, given the nature of Surtain’s injury and his status as a young, elite athlete, there is optimism that he could recover quickly. Nonetheless, the Broncos will closely monitor his condition throughout the week to determine his status for Thursday night.
In the event Surtain is unable to play, rookie cornerback Kris Abrams-Draine and Damarri Mathis would be called upon to start against the Chargers. Abrams-Draine had a strong showing in his first start this past Sunday against the Colts, but he faces a much greater challenge in going up against Chargers quarterback Justin Herbert, one of the league’s top passers. The Broncos’ secondary would undoubtedly be tested, and both young corners will need to rise to the occasion.
The stakes for the Broncos are high, as they currently hold a 91% chance of making the playoffs and are sitting in the 6th seed in the AFC. With a one-game lead over the Chargers, Thursday night’s game carries significant playoff implications. While the team is in a favorable position even without Surtain, his absence would be felt, and the Broncos would much prefer to have their top cornerback available for such a crucial contest.
The Broncos’ defense has been one of the team’s strong points this season, and Surtain is a key contributor to that success. His potential absence on Thursday would test the depth of the secondary, but the Broncos remain hopeful that both he and Moss will be ready to contribute soon. With the playoffs in sight, Denver’s defense will need to perform at a high level to ensure a postseason berth.
Ultimately, the Broncos will be closely monitoring the injury reports as they prepare for their game against the Chargers. With a playoff spot within reach, the team is hoping for the swift return of Surtain and Moss to solidify their chances and close out the season on a strong note. The Broncos’ playoff push depends on the health of their key players, and keeping Surtain on the field is paramount for their success.