Denver Broncos cornerback Pat Surtain II, the reigning NFL Defensive Player of the Year, sustained a left shoulder injury during a recent game against the Dallas Cowboys. The incident occurred just before halftime of the Broncos’ commanding 44-24 victory on October 26, 2025. Surtain will undergo tests, including an MRI, to assess the extent of the injury.
Impact of Surtain’s Injury
Should Surtain be sidelined, it would be a significant setback for the Broncos. Defensive coordinator Vance Joseph emphasized Surtain’s importance by stating, “Everything we do starts with Pat.” Linebacker Justin Strnad expressed concern for his teammate’s health, underscoring the critical role Surtain plays in their defense.
Details of the Injury
The injury occurred during a play where Cowboys quarterback Dak Prescott completed a 7-yard pass to receiver George Pickens. As Surtain tackled Pickens, his left arm twisted awkwardly, causing discomfort. He was seen exiting the locker room at halftime with visible pain.
Before the shoulder injury, Surtain had previously faced issues with a lower leg injury that led to his early exit from the game. Rookie cornerback Kris Abrams-Draine took over Surtain’s position and recorded eight tackles during the second half.
Broncos’ Defensive Performance
Following Surtain’s departure, Broncos’ coach Sean Payton praised Abram-Draine’s performance, stating the team managed well despite the circumstances. “You never know when a player goes down,” he commented, acknowledging the team’s resilience.
During the game, the Broncos sacked Prescott twice, marking a significant defensive performance, as he was held scoreless for only the second time this season.
Young Cornerback Corps
- Should Surtain miss time, the Broncos will rely heavily on young cornerbacks.
- Kris Abrams-Draine: Second-year player.
- Jahdae Barron: Rookie with his first interception of the season.
- Ja’Quan McMillian and Riley Moss: Each with four years of experience.
Riley Moss, while acknowledging a challenging game, expressed confidence in the team’s preparation. Despite some penalties, he noted, “[Abrams-Draine] came in and did a great job.”
Surtain, who has played in only two games throughout his career, faces uncertainty regarding his return. The Broncos wait to hear the results of his tests, which will dictate their plans going forward.
