The Denver Broncos' latest comeback attempt fell short in a 24-14 loss to the San Francisco 49ers in Week 4 of the 2026 NFL season on Sunday afternoon.
After the two sides exchanged punts on their opening drives, Wil Lutz converted a 52-yard field goal attempt to give the Broncos a 3-0 lead late in the first quarter. Denver's defense then stepped up on the next drive, stuffing 49ers quarterback Brock Purdy on a 4th-and-1 for a turnover on downs at the Broncos' own 34-yard line. That stopped a promising Niners drive, but it didn't lead to any points on Denver's next drive that ended with a punt.
Later, in the second quarter, the 49ers kicked a field goal to tie the game at 3-3. The Niners had an opportunity to add another field goal just before
halftime, but it was blocked by defensive lineman Zach Allen to keep the game tied going into the break.
In the third quarter, Broncos receiver Marvin Mims fumbled a punt return and the 49ers recovered it at Denver's 28-yard line. That turnover set up the Niners' go-ahead score when Purdy found receiver Deebo Samuel for a one-yard touchdown pass to make it 10-3 with 4:11 remaining in the third quarter. Denver reduced the deficit to 10-6 early in the fourth quarter when Lutz converted a 40-yard field goal.
After the Niners scored on a one-yard Christian McCaffrey touchdown run to make it 17-6 later in the fourth quarter, the Broncos fought back as quarterback Bo Nix later threw a 13-yard touchdown pass to Jaylen Waddle. After running back Tyler Badie converted a two-point conversion, Denver trailed 17-14 with 4:05 remaining in the game.
First career TD as a Bronco! 🐧
— Denver Broncos (@Broncos) October 4, 2026
📺: @CBSSports / @paramountplus pic.twitter.com/ljieWF2hX8
49ers tight end George Kittle essentially clinched the game on the next drive, scoring on a 56-yard catch-and-run to make it 24-14 with just over two minutes remaining. Denver then took seven players to go 18 yards before Lutz missed a 58-yard field goal attempt. After that, San Francisco ran out the clock to secure a win.
On the injury front, cornerback Pat Surtain left late in the second quarter with a non-contact ankle injury. Fellow cornerback Riley Moss suffered a ribs injury. Both players were originally announced as questionable to return before later being ruled out in the third quarter. Later, in the third quarter, receiver Pat Bryant was carted off the field with an ankle injury. Bryant was announced as questionable in the fourth quarter but never returned to the game.
In additional injury news, CBS sideline reporter Melanie Collins noted that Nix told her he has experienced "some swelling and stiffness" in his ankle this season. Nix has not appeared on the team's injury report through three games, and he also told Collins that he feels "as healthy as ever." It's still notable to learn for the first time that he's had some swelling and stiffness in his ankle post-surgery.
After facing the Niners, the Broncos are scheduled to return to California next week to face the Los Angeles Chargers at SoFi Stadium in Week 5.
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This article originally appeared on Broncos Wire: Broncos hit hard by injuries in 24-14 loss to 49ers
