Sean Payton, Denver Broncos
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Denver Broncos head coach Sean Payton on the sidelines during a game against the Houston Texans.
The Denver Broncos took to the practice field on Thanksgiving and had plenty to celebrate. Many names littered the Broncos’ injury report, none more significant than three-time Pro Bowler and two-time First Team All-Pro cornerback Pat Surtain II.
Surtain is also the reigning Defensive Player of the Year.
In what was his second practice since straining his pec against the Dallas Cowboys in Week 8, Surtain gave the Broncos Country something extra to be thankful for.
Pat Surtain II Upgrades to Full Practice
Pat Surtain II, Denver Broncos
GettyPat Surtain II #2 of the Denver Broncos runs onto the field before the game against the Tennessee Titans.
Surtain returned to practice for the first time since suffering his injury on Wednesday, but the Broncos listed him as “questionable” on their initial report. Of the six players listed on the Broncos’ injury report, three were listed as anything less than full participation.
Surtain was the only one among those three who upgraded on Thursday.
The Broncos also appear set to get linebacker Alex Singleton (illness) back after he logged another full practice on Thursday.
Meanwhile, pass rusher Jonah Elliss has recorded back-to-back limited sessions and should also be back on the field in Week 13. The Broncos are facing a 3-8 Washington Commanders team that has lost its last six contests in a row.
Conversely, the Broncos are looking to notch their ninth straight win.
Surtain’s progress drew attention, continuing his encouraging recovery trend after missing the Broncos’ last three games and four weeks.
DNVR’s Zac Stevens called Surtain logging back-to-back practices “really good news” in a post on X on November 27. When the Broncos released their injury report for Thursday and Surtain was listed as a full participant, Stevens called it “great news.”
The Denver Post’s Luca Evans noted Surtain’s presence at practice, adding that he expected the corner would play against the Commanders.
That was as long as Surtain was able to log a full session in practice, which he did.
Broncos Coaches Suggest Pat Surtain II Will Play
Pat Surtain II, Denver Broncos
GettyPat Surtain II #2 of the Denver Broncos looks on after facing the Tennessee Titans.
Broncos head coach Sean Payton spoke about Surtain’s impact on his teammates while sidelined. Payton also seemed to suggest the defender would play against the Commanders.
“Any of these guys that miss time are still involved in the meetings,” Payton told reporters on November 26. “That presence in the meeting would be the same, whether they’re playing or not. And so, certainly, it’s great to get someone like him back in the lineup and ready to go.”
Broncos defensive coordinator Vance Joseph also suggested Surtain would play in Week 13.
“To get Pat back now, we have no worries,” Joseph told reporters on November 27, praising the way the Broncos’ other corners stepped up in the star’s absence.
Broncos TE Situation Takes Downward Turn
Nate Adkins, Denver Broncos
GettyNate Adkins #45 of the Denver Broncos on the field against the Los Angeles Chargers.
Surtain’s return puts the Broncos’ depth options into their proper roles. The inverse is true at tight end. Evans was among those to note that Nate Adkins did not practice on Thursday.
“TE Nate Adkins (knee) not practicing again and in line to be out Sunday,” The Denver Gazette’s Chris Tomasson posted on X. “Remains to be seen who might be 3rd TE with Lewis out of elevations and must go to 53 to play.”
9News’ Mike Klis questioned whether Adkins has hit an unexpected hurdle.
“This is his 5th week and upcoming 4th game since knee injury vs Cowboys,” Klis noted. “So either he had setback or there was miscalculation on return as he was not placed on IR.”