Patrick Surtain II Injury Update
The Denver Broncos’ All-Pro cornerback has been ruled out for Week 9 after suffering a left pectoral strain in Sunday’s win over the Dallas Cowboys. Surtain is officially expected to miss 4-6 weeks, with his next possible return coming after Denver's Week 12 bye. Broncos coach Sean Payton confirmed no update beyond Surtain’s absence for the Texans game, and team sources suggest he is likely headed for short-term injured reserve. Jordan Schultz, posting on X via @Schultz_Report, reported that Patrick Surtain II is dealing with a pectoral injury and is expected to miss 4–6 weeks, with no surgery needed but seeking a second opinion.
What Happened to Patrick Surtain?
Surtain’s injury occurred late in the first half against Dallas, tackling receiver George Pickens with 22 seconds left before halftime – left arm and shoulder twisted up awkwardly on the play. After the tackle, he rose slowly, clutching his chest.
Trainers attended to him on the field; he did not return after halftime. Initial reports suggested a shoulder injury, but by Monday afternoon, NFL insider Jordan Schultz and ESPN’s Adam Schefter clarified: it’s a left pectoral strain expected to sideline him multiple weeks. Severity? Not season-ending, but worse than early hopes. DNVR Broncos, posting on X via @DNVR_Broncos, reported that Pat Surtain is dealing with a pectoral injury and is expected to miss 4-6 weeks.
Latest Practice Reports & Timeline
Wednesday’s Broncos injury report: DNP (Did Not Practice) for Surtain. As of October 27, coach Sean Payton told the media, “No, nothing to update you guys today on,” regarding PS2’s recovery. NFL Network and ESPN both report: out for the Texans (Week 9), likely IR if the team needs a roster slot Tuesday. Jordan Schultz (Oct 27) and Mike Klis both peg the absence at 4-6 weeks. No surgery required, but no set target: “Broncos haven’t given a target date”. Next opponent: Houston Texans, Sunday at 1 ET.
How Does This Affects the Broncos?
Surtain is Denver’s CB1, a genuine shutdown corner, and 2024 Defensive Player of the Year. The depth chart takes a major hit: Backups Riley Moss, Kris Abrams-Draine will rotate outside, with Jahdae Barron seeing an uptick in snaps.
Surtain had posted 27 tackles and 9 pass breakups through eight games, anchoring a secondary that now sees a massive downgrade in man coverage reliability. Defensive drop-off is unavoidable, the kind that forces gameplan changes, said Sean Payton Monday: “When that element goes away, it can be disruptive”.
Moss and Abrams-Draine, neither proven, face a baptism by fire against Texans’ C.J. Stroud. No sugar-coating it Broncos’ secondary depth chart is stretched thin; playoff hopes take a major hit if Surtain misses more than a month.
Disclaimer:
This injury update is for informational purposes only. Player statuses, timetables, and practice participation are based on official team releases and verified news sources as of publication. For real-time updates or urgent medical questions, always consult the official Broncos injury report or league announcements.
