Denver Broncos head coach Sean Payton met with the media today and gave an update on some notable injuries. He provided some good news and told reporters that neither cornerback Pat Surtain II nor wide receiver Pat Bryant is expected to land on the season-ending or short-term injured reserve.
Both players left Sunday’s loss to the 49ers, and it did not look good. Surtain II left after
a non-contact injury to his ankle, and many thought he suffered an achilles injury, while Bryant left on the cart, which is never good. Thankfully, we learned late Sunday Night and early Monday that both ankle injuries are not season-ending and are considered more short-term injuries. However, this did not rule out an eventual short-term IR stint for one or both players.
Thankfully, despite the worst-case scenario seeming likely at one point, neither player is currently expected to land on the IR, which seems to point to them being back in a few weeks.
The Broncos play their division rival, the Los Angeles Chargers, this Sunday before hosting the reigning champs, the Seattle Seahawks, on a short week on Thursday Night Football. I would assume both players will be out for these games, especially with the short week, but could be back for their road game vs. the Cardinals in Week 7. That is me just guessing, but that mini bye week after their Thursday Night game could be beneficial for these two.
With Surtain and potentially Moss sidelined for Sunday’s game vs. the Chargers, look for former first-round pick Jahdae Barron to get the start, with reserve Kris Abrams-Draine seeing playing time as well. The defense will need both players to step up against Justin Herbert and the struggling Chargers offense.
As for Bryant, look for veteran Lil’Jordan Humphrey to see some added playing time as a blocking receiver, while Marvin Mims Jr. and Troy Franklin see more snaps at the WR3 role. The Broncos’ passing offense has struggled, so they will need these three to step up.
Overall, this is good news for the Broncos, who will need to get by and rely on their depth for a few weeks before these two key players return to the field.
