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The Denver Broncos played their second game without All-Pro cornerback Pat Surtain II, beating the Las Vegas Raiders on “Thursday Night Football” in Week 10. That is good, because the Broncos are expected to be without him for several more weeks. Surtain strained his pectoral muscle in Week 8, but the Broncos have not placed him on injured reserve, an indication that they expect him to return sooner rather than later. However, Surtain’s most recent comments suggest patience is in order. Broncos CB Pat Surtain II ‘46%’ Healed From Pectoral Strain Surtain, 25, suffered the injury breaking up a pass from Dallas Cowboys quarterback Dak Prescott to wide receiver George Pickens in the end zone. “On @KOAColorado reigning DPOY, @PatSurtainll tells @redwardsradio & @guerillasports’ own @NathanSerious rehab going well, and he’s at ‘46 percent!’” Guerilla Sports’ Brandon Krisztal reported on X on November 7. “Pretty specific, but half-joking. Translation: he’s at least a few weeks away.” Surtain, who inked a four-year, $96 million extension in September 2024, has battled injuries throughout his career. The Broncos have turned to second-year fifth-round pick Kris Abrams-Draine in Surtain’s stead. Broncos Keeping Opposing Offenses Down That is notable, with the Broncos using their 2025 first-round pick, No. 20 overall, on Jahdae Barron. However, they have kept him in a reserve role, primarily behind starting nickelback Ja’Quan McMillian. “In filling Pat Surtain’s role, Kris Abrams-Draine played in 78% of the Broncos’ defensive snaps,” DNVR’s Zac Stevens noted on November 7. “Jahdae Barron only played in 33%.” The Broncos have allowed 22 points total in the two games without Surtain. That is their second-best two-game stretch of the season, behind only Weeks 4 and 5 against the Cincinnati Bengals and Philadelphia Eagles, respectively, when they allowed 20 points combined. The Broncos face the Kansas City Chiefs in Week 11, with the bye in Week 12. Despite having a month off, Surtain will have missed only three games if he can return following the break. Surtain also injured his ankle in that game, and for the second time this season. Pat Surtain Using Downtime Wisely Surtain returned from the ankle issue, only to strain his pectoral muscle as the Broncos beat the Cowboys 44-24. Surtain chose to take an optimistic viewpoint as he began rehabbing from his latest ailment. “Comes with the game,” Surtain told Detroit Lions cornerback Terrion Arnold on the “Closed on Sundays” podcast in October. “Life is 10% how you make it, bro. And the rest is up to you. So, that 90%, bro, I’m thinking, ‘Man, how could I get better from this? How can I learn from it? I’m gonna attack rehab. Look to get better, look to get stronger.” Surtain had been durable. He missed two games in his career, and no more than one in any season before his current predicament. He is using his new experience to recover physically and mentally. “I’ll be kicking it,” Surtain said. Supporting my dawgs. “It’s going to suck, though, because I love being out there with the guys, competing, being out there on the field. Being that leader. But, minor setback. I’m going to get back right. “In the meantime, though, I’m gonna enjoy, kick it. Watch football, watch movies. Spend some downtime to myself that I didn’t get to enjoy during the season.”
