May 23, 2024; Englewood, CO, USA; Denver Broncos head coach Sean Payton addresses the media after organized team activities at Centura Health Training Center. Mandatory Credit: Isaiah J. Downing-USA TODAY Sports
Broncos Dodge Major Blow as Sean Payton Reveals IR Decision on Former Alabama Star 1
Pat Surtain II was helped off the field late in the first half of the Denver Broncos’ 24-14 loss at San Francisco on Sunday. The All-Pro cornerback never returned, and Broncos fans spent days waiting for answers. Head coach Sean Payton stayed quiet early in the week, now he has offered a clue that could shape Denver’s plans for the Chargers game.
Sean Payton does not expect Pat Surtain on injured reserve
Payton told reporters on Wednesday that he does not expect Denver to place Surtain on injured reserve. The star cornerback hurt his right ankle on a non-contact play late in the first half at Santa Clara.
Two trainers helped him off, and Surtain had four tackles before leaving, giving him 21 through four starts this season.
Pat Surtain II
Oct 4, 2026; Santa Clara, California, USA; Denver Broncos cornerback Pat Surtain II (2) before the game against the San Francisco 49ers at Levi’s Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Darren Yamashita-Imagn Images
That news matters because injured reserve carries a minimum four-game absence. Skipping the move keeps a shorter timeline possible. Asked if anyone would land on the list, Payton said, “I don’t think so.”
He also said he would not reveal an IR move ahead of time, so nothing is fully settled.
Sources said Surtain and receiver Pat Bryant avoided long-term injuries after Monday MRI exams, though both are expected to miss time. Surtain sat out Wednesday’s practice, which points toward him missing Sunday’s AFC West game.
Fellow starter Riley Moss also left with a rib injury, adding pressure to the group. Jahdae Barron and Kris Abrams-Draine are poised to handle the outside spots.
Denver has weathered a Surtain absence before, and last season offers a helpful guide.
Surtain’s pectoral injury last season offers a roadmap
This is not Surtain’s first injury scare. He was the reigning NFL Defensive Player of the Year in October 2025, when he left a 44-24 win over the Cowboys with a pectoral strain after a late first-half tackle on George Pickens.
Oct 26, 2025; Denver, Colorado, USA; Denver Broncos cornerback Pat Surtain II (2) reacts in the first quarter against the Dallas Cowboys at Empower Field at Mile High. Mandatory Credit: Ron Chenoy-Imagn Images
Early reports pointed toward injured reserve, but Denver stayed away from it. Surtain went on to miss three games, according to the Denver Gazette.
That stretch showed Denver can survive without him. Payton publicly backed Kris Abrams-Draine to handle the load then, and the same plan looks ready now. Payton kept his updates short then too, just as he has this week.
The former Alabama star, picked ninth overall in 2021, has still missed only five games in six seasons.
Denver (2-2) visits the winless Los Angeles Chargers (0-4) on Sunday, and Surtain looks unlikely to play. The Broncos want to bounce back from the 49ers loss, while Los Angeles chases its first win after a 30-23 defeat at Seattle. Cornerback depth will matter.
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