The Denver Broncos are rolling. Seven consecutive games for the first time since 2015. What makes the team’s success all the more impressive is that they are winning without reigning Defensive Player of the Year Patrick Surtain II.
The Broncos’ defense has been without its top playmaker for two straight weeks, but they are optimistic that the All-Pro cornerback will return soon.
When Will Patrick Surtain II Return to the Field?
Surtain II suffered a pectoral strain during the Broncos’ Week 8 victory over the Dallas Cowboys and has yet to practice since the injury.
He was ruled out of both the Broncos’ Week 9 and Week 10 matchups, and once again did not participate in Wednesday’s practice leading up to Week 11. Despite the prolonged absence, the Broncos have opted not to place Surtain II on injured reserve.
Following the injury, NFL insider Jordan Schultz reported that Surtain II’s initial timeline for recovery was between four and six weeks. “No surgery is needed, but I’m told the reigning Defensive Player of the Year will get a second opinion this week to confirm the timeline.” Schultz posted to X.
Given the reported timeline and the Broncos’ failure to place Surtain II on injured reserve, it strongly suggests that the team believes his recovery timeline will fall short of the mandatory four-game IR stint.
Sources: #Broncos star CB Patrick Surtain II is dealing with a pectoral injury and is expected to miss 4–6 weeks.
No surgery is needed, but I’m told the reigning Defensive Player of the Year will get a second opinion this week to confirm the timeline. pic.twitter.com/VeaYpWpyjF
— Jordan Schultz (@Schultz_Report) October 27, 2025
With the injury considered moderate, the current expectation within the organization is that he could return shortly after Sean Payton’s team completes its bye week, which occurs in Week 12. That is, provided the All-Pro’s rehab stays on course.
The Broncos will tread carefully with their star defender, especially as they eye a potential late-season playoff push. Surtain’s presence in the secondary remains critical not only as a shutdown option against elite receivers, but as a leader to one of the league’s best defensive units.
Although Surtain II’s availability is an absolute necessity for this defense to succeed, there is no need to rush him back into action, given how well the unit has continued to play in his absence. The Broncos allowed just 15 points in their Week 9 victory over the Texans, and just seven points during a Week 10 victory against the Raiders.
The Broncos’ defense remains the best in football, according to PFSN’s defense impact metrics, which give the Broncos a grade of A (94.5) through 10 weeks.
READ MORE: PFSN’s 2025 NFL Midseason Awards: Predicting the MVP, DPOY, OPOY, Coach of the Year, and More
At the same time, Surtain II himself has continued his elite play from 2024 into the new season. PFSN’s CB impact metrics give Surtain II a grade of A- (90.1), the third-highest grade among cornerbacks.
For now, all signs point to Surtain II being held out through the team’s Week 11 showdown with the Chiefs before reassessing following the bye. A clean bill of health would mark a timely boost for the Broncos team, which is looking to solidify its presence in the AFC’s playoff picture.