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Pat Surtain II #2 of the Denver Broncos looks on against the Tennessee Titans.
The Denver Broncos lost their road opener against the Indianapolis Colts in Week 2. However, the Broncos appear to have avoided something greater when it comes to 2024 Defensive Player of the Year and cornerback Pat Surtain II.
Surtain, who allows Broncos defensive coordinator Vance Joseph flexibility in coverage and blitz calls, suffered an injury in the second quarter of the contest.
He quickly returned and, afterward, cleared the air on his status going forward.
Broncos Avoid Near-Disaster With All-Pro CB Pat Surtain II Against Colts
GettyAlec Pierce #14 of the Indianapolis Colts is tackled by Pat Surtain II #2 of the Denver Broncos.
The Broncos held their breath again, and this instance is arguably more significant than either of their first two instances this season. Surtain was helped off the field in the second quarter against the Colts and was “questionable” to return.
Staked to a 14-13 lead, Denver took over possession in the second quarter.
However, the scene was juxtaposed against trainers assisting Surtain, the reigning Defensive Player of the Year, to the sidelines.
“[It’s] Something that I’m gonna take day-by-day, see how it goes,” Surtain told reporters after the game on September 14. “But it’s nothing crazy. So, I’m gonna just get treatment on it. It feels better, so…”
Surtain’s honesty extended to the Broncos’ performance on the field against the Colts.
Pat Surtain II Calls Out Broncos’ Miscues
GettySpencer Shrader #3 of the Indianapolis Colts kicks a field goal to beat the Denver Broncos.
The 25-year-old was the No. 9 overall pick of the 2021 Draft. Surtain, a three-time Pro Bowler and two-time First Team All-Pro, signed a four-year, $96 million extension this offseason. His potentially having to miss any significant period of time would be a tremendous blow.
Surtain also called the loss “gut-wrenching,” with the Broncos giving the Colts two tries at the game-winning field goal.
The Broncos star said they repeatedly “shot ourselves in the foot.”
Surtain allowed 61.3% completion in 62 defensive targets for the Broncos in 2024, per Pro Football Reference. That was the best mark among the Broncos’ top CB trio of Surtain, Ja’quan McMillian, and Riley Moss.
Surtain’s presence typically forces targets elsewhere, often at Moss on the other perimeter, but also McMillian at nickelback.
The Colts attacked Surtain and racked up 473 yards at 7.1 yards per play.
Broncos Rookie DB Jahdae Barron Steps in for Award-Winning Teammate
GettyJonathan Taylor #28 of the Indianapolis Colts runs with the ball as Jahdae Barron #23 of the Denver Broncos defends.
Surtain has missed one game due to injury in four years, and that was in Week 18 against the Kansas City Chiefs as a rookie. The Broncos boast solid depth at cornerback. Still, they would be suffering a tremendous loss had Surtain been forced out of the game and future contests.
Rookie Jahdae Barron stepped in for Surtain and was the No. 20 overall pick in the 2025 draft.
The Broncos also have 2024 fifth-round selection Kris Abrams-Draine. But neither he nor Barron is Surtain, though. They lack the starting experience the Broncos likely want.
Moreover, they would certainly be targets for opposing quarterbacks if Surtain were forced to miss time. Fortunately for the Broncos, they do not have to plan for Surtain’s absence, though they may want to better prepare themselves for the possibility that something does occur.
The free agent market still has some intriguing options that the Broncos could pair with Surtain.
Josh Buckhalter covers the NBA and NFL for Heavy.com. He has covered both leagues since 2016, including bylines at FanSided, Last Word on Sports and Clocker Sports. He’s based in Villa Park, Illinois. Follow Josh on Twitter and Instagram: @JoshGBuck More about Josh Buckhalter
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