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Patrick Surtain II is the reigning NFL Defensive Player of the Year, but he has had better days than the one he is experiencing on Sunday against the Dallas Cowboys. Early in the game, he suffered an ankle injury that caused him to be looked at by the training staff. However, he was able to go right back in the game, missing only one play. Later in the first half, he suffered an injury that forced him to stay in the locker room, and according to the CBS broadcast, he is out for the remainder of the game. Pat Surtain II has been ruled out with a shoulder injuryA look at his last play before exiting: pic.twitter.com/kkktyPnZ13— NFL on CBS 🏈 (@NFLonCBS) October 26, 2025 The injury could be a crushing blow to what is arguably the best defense in the NFL, as Surtain is widely regarded as the best cornerback in the league. He has quickly made his mark on the Broncos since the team selected him with the No. 9 pick in the 2021 NFL Draft out of Alabama. Last season, he emerged as one of the best players in the league as he had 45 tackles to go along with four interceptions. Defensive coordinator Vance Joseph is able to be very aggressive as he knows one side of the field is going to be controlled by Surtain. With him in the secondary, the Broncos are able to be very aggressive in rushing the passer, as the team leads the league in sacks. DENVER, COLORADO – OCTOBER 26: Pat Surtain II #2 of the Denver Broncos reacts after sustaining an injury while breaking up a pass against the Dallas Cowboys during the first quarter in the game at Empower Field At Mile High on October 26, 2025 in Denver, Colorado. (Photo by Dustin Bradford/Getty Images) With Surtain out, that forces Riley Moss to become the No. 1 cornerback, while guys like Ja’Quan McMillian, Jahdae Barron and Kris Abrams-Draine being called upon more. The Broncos are in complete control of the game against the Cowboys, and look like they will be moving to 6-2 remain atop the AFC West standings. The team will take on the Houston Texans next week, and then have a bye before an AFC West matchup with the Las Vegas Raiders. For more on the Denver Broncos and general NFL news, head over to Newsweek Sports.
