The Denver Broncos were defeated by the Los Angeles Chargers, 23-16, on Sunday afternoon. However, they also suffered a significant loss, as their best defensive player exited the game early in the first quarter. What happened to Broncos cornerback Patrick Surtain II, and what’s the latest on his status?
What Happened to Broncos CB Patrick Surtain II in Week 6?
Surtain got hurt on the fourth play of Sunday’s game. After breaking up a pass intended for Chargers rookie wideout Ladd McConkey, Surtain was shaken up and stayed down on the field.
Surtain left the field under his own power, but he was holding his head and seemed to be in significant pain. He jogged off the field and headed for the blue medical tent along Denver’s sideline to be evaluated.
Surtain subsequently went to the Broncos’ locker room and was ruled out with a concussion.
Surtain injured on this play. #LACvsDEN pic.twitter.com/yfsWXJjKw5
— Rate the Refs App (@Rate_the_Refs) October 13, 2024
Since Surtain was diagnosed with a head injury, had to miss the rest of Sunday’s contest, and it’s very possible he’ll be sidelined for Week 7 as well.
Denver will face the New Orleans Saints on Thursday Night Football, so the Broncos have a short week. It seems unlikely that Surtain will be able to clear the NFL’s concussion protocol in time for Thursday’s contest.
After the game, Broncos head coach Sean Payton didn’t provide much of an update on Surtain aside from saying, “He’s in the protocol.”
With Surtain out, Broncos slot cornerback Ja’Quan McMillian moved to the perimeter opposite CB2 Riley Moss.
Surtain, a first-team All-Pro in 2021 and a Pro Bowler in each of the past two seasons, has allowed just 10 receptions on 15 targets for 111 yards and no touchdowns in 2024. He’s intercepted two passes while giving up a 48.9 passer rating in coverage, the fifth-best mark among CBs with at least 200 coverage snaps.
Surtain, Moss, and McMillian might’ve been the league’s best cornerback trio through five weeks. Denver’s defense is tied with the Chicago Bears for the league’s best EPA-per-pass mark (-0.39).