Denver Broncos cornerback Patrick Surtain II (2) during AFC practice at the Flag Fieldhouse Moscone Center South Building.
Kirby Lee-Imagn Images
The Denver Broncos face a battered Los Angeles Chargers team that may roll without wide receiver Ladd McConkey. But Denver received welcoming news involving star cornerback Patrick Surtain II.
Head coach Sean Payton dropped some big news there, shared via ESPN NFL insider Adam Schefter on Wednesday.
“Broncos HC Sean Payton told reporters that he does not expect that Denver will have to place CB Pat Surtain, who injured his ankle Sunday at San Francisco, on injured reserve,” Schefter posted on the social media website X, formerly Twitter.
Denver will aim to rebound from its letdown loss to the 49ers from Sunday. Surtain finished with four tackles total in that contest, but SF rolled to the 24-14 win at Levi's Stadium to remain undefeated. And Denver watched its hopes of a comeback unravel on a long George Kittle touchdown reception that sealed the home win.
Surtain still faced a worst case scenario following the 49ers loss. He left during the second half as things unraveled for the Broncos against the NFC West foe. So Surtain will surely return sometime this season for the Broncos. Which rises as great news for a team aiming to contend.
Surtain helped spearhead Denver's return to the AFC Championship game one year ago. Including knocking off heavy AFC favorite the Buffalo Bills to get there. But eventual AFC champion the New England Patriots toppled the Broncos inside Empower Field to capture the Lamar Hunt Trophy.
But Sunday's opponent is on a rigid state. The Chargers walking in with an 0-4 record to start the season.