Broncos Opt Against Placing Pat Surtain on Injured Reserve, Reports Say
Denver's cornerback Pat Surtain suffered a pectoral injury during the team's Week 8 victory over the Dallas Cowboys, prompting early speculation that he might be moved to the league's injured reserve list. Initial reports suggested the severity of the injury could sideline him for an extended period, raising concerns about the Broncos' secondary depth as the regular season approaches its final stretch.
Team medical staff evaluated Surtain over the following days and determined that, while the injury required treatment and a brief recovery window, it did not meet the criteria for an injured reserve designation. Sources close to the organization indicated that the player is expected to undergo a targeted rehabilitation program and could be ready to rejoin practice within a few weeks, allowing the Broncos to keep him on the active roster.
The decision not to place Surtain on IR carries strategic implications for Denver. Retaining him on the 53-man roster preserves flexibility for the coaching staff, who can rotate him into defensive packages as his condition improves. It also avoids the mandatory eight-week absence that accompanies an injured reserve placement, which could have forced the team to seek additional depth through free agents or practice‑squad promotions. Analysts note that the Broncos have historically relied on a versatile secondary, and keeping Surtain available aligns with that approach.
Local officials and team representatives emphasized a cautious but optimistic outlook. A spokesperson for the Broncos noted that player health remains the top priority and that the organization will continue to monitor Surtain's progress closely. The team also highlighted the contributions of other cornerbacks who have stepped up in recent weeks, mitigating the immediate impact of his limited availability.
Looking ahead, the Broncos are scheduled to face a series of challenging opponents in the remaining regular‑season games. Should Surtain return to full fitness, he could provide a boost to a defense that has shown both resilience and vulnerability this year. The next few weeks will reveal whether the rehabilitation plan succeeds and how the Broncos adjust their defensive strategy without the need to activate an injured reserve slot.
