The Denver Broncos had little trouble dispatching the Dallas Cowboys in Week 8, but concerns loom regarding the health of two-time First Team All-Pro cornerback Pat Surtain II, the reigning Defensive Player of the Year.
### Injury Update on Pat Surtain II
Surtain left the game early in the first quarter due to an ankle injury but made a brief return during the Broncos’ next defensive series. Unfortunately, he exited again in the second quarter, this time with a shoulder injury that ultimately sidelined him for the remainder of the game. Official confirmation of his exit came during the third quarter.
### Broncos Head Coach Sean Payton Remains Tight-Lipped
Known for his durability, Surtain has missed just two career games with the Broncos since being selected No. 9 overall in the 2021 NFL Draft. Both absences occurred in Week 18 of regular seasons, including last year when he was rested.
Following the game, Broncos head coach Sean Payton offered no concrete updates on Surtain’s condition. When asked about the secondary’s performance, Payton said, “Pretty good. Proud of them. Don’t like to see that happen. You never know when a player goes down. The next man is up. Not going to discuss any of the players that were injured at all, but I was proud of the guys that had to go play when someone went down.”
### Surtain’s Impact and Contract Extension
At 25 years old, Surtain is off to another strong start this season. Prior to this game, he allowed just a 53.3% completion rate in his coverage—the second-best mark of his career—with a quarterback rating allowed of 69.6, ranking third-best for him. Reflecting his elite status, the Broncos rewarded Surtain with a four-year, $96 million contract extension in September 2024.
Without Surtain, the Broncos’ secondary could face significant vulnerabilities, especially against high-powered offenses.
### Depth Concerns in the Secondary
The Broncos’ other key cornerbacks include starter Riley Moss, nickelback Ja’Quan McMillian, and rookie Jahdae Barron—the No. 20 overall pick in the 2025 NFL Draft. Barron recorded his first career interception on Sunday. Together, they allowed a combined 52.4% completion rate before Sunday’s game.
Against the Cowboys, these corners gave up seven completions on 14 targets, according to Pro Football Focus. Moss faced heavy attention, allowing six completions on 11 targets for 56 yards and committing two penalties. Second-year fifth-round pick Kris Abrams-Draine stepped in for Surtain, allowing 49 yards on four completions from four targets.
### Looking Ahead: Week 9 vs. Houston Texans
The Broncos will look to shore up their secondary as they visit the Houston Texans in Week 9. Texans quarterback C.J. Stroud is coming off his first 300-yard passing game of the season, a win over the previously 5-2 San Francisco 49ers.
Entering Week 8, the Broncos ranked fourth in scoring defense and third overall—defensive rankings heavily influenced by Surtain’s presence. His health status remains critical as Denver moves forward this season.
Fans and analysts alike will be watching closely for updates on Pat Surtain II’s recovery in the coming days.
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