Denver to Be Without Reigning DPOY Surtain for at Least a Few Weeks

The Denver Broncos decided against placing cornerback Pat Surtain (pectoral injury) on injured reserve this past Saturday. Had they opted for the short-term IR option, Surtain would have been sidelined for a minimum of four games. Denver’s forthcoming schedule presents tough challenges, including a Thursday Night Football game against the Las Vegas Raiders on November 6, followed by a crucial rivalry matchup with the Kansas City Chiefs on November 16. Putting Surtain on injured reserve now would have effectively ruled him out until after November 30, causing him to miss both essential contests.

By retaining Surtain on the active roster, the Broncos convey hope that he might return by Week 13 or possibly be fit in time for the key Chiefs game in Week 11. This calculated move underscores just how important Surtain is to Denver’s defensive success. As the linchpin of a defense on track to break the franchise’s single-season sack record (already tallying 36), the team continues to post impressive metrics: third in defensive efficiency (61.82) and fifth in yards allowed per game (281.4). Despite being seldom targeted by opposing quarterbacks — a testament to the respect he commands — Surtain has recorded 27 tackles and six passes defensed, demonstrating his impact when called upon.

With Surtain sidelined, Riley Moss — who has started alongside him over the past two seasons — assumes the role of Denver’s top cornerback. Moss is accustomed to being the primary target of opposing offenses, often facing more attention within Denver’s secondary due to teams’ reluctance to throw at Surtain. Given this experience, Moss is expected to embrace the increased responsibility confidently, offering stability and assurance to a defense rich in talent and poised to maintain its elite standard even without its reigning Defensive Player of the Year.