The Week 12 bye likely played a part in the Broncos’ decision. Denver plays the Texans on Sunday, the Raiders in Week 10 and the Chiefs in Week 11 before the break. If Surtain goes on IR, he would also be out against the Chiefs in Week 13.
The best news is that whether it ends up being three or four games, the top corner in the league will be back for the stretch run. Keeping him off IR simply opens up another potential play. The Broncos likely weighed getting him back early versus opening up positions while he’s out. In the end, they decided it would be more beneficial to get DPOY back sooner.
2024 fifth-round pick Kris Abrams-Draine and first-round rookie Jahdae Barron will likely see increased reps instead of Surtain playing opposite Riley Moss.
The 25-year-old Surtain was the ninth overall pick in the 2021 NFL Draft and has blossomed into one of the game’s elite cornerbacks. In 2024, Surtain was named Defensive Player of the Year after recording four interceptions — including one that was returned for a 100-yard touchdown — to go with 45 tackles and 11 passes defensed. This year, he’s already had nine layoffs.