Broncos CB Riley Moss appears to injure ribs

The Broncos brought McMillian, 25, aboard as an undrafted free agent in 2022. He impressively won the starting slot cornerback role in 2023 and has manned that spot for the Broncos ever since. The front office retained McMillian via a one-year contract last year, and appears set to do so again, though McMillian’s agent said the cornerback is hoping to sign a long-term deal. That may not happen. General manager George Patton made his top-tier cornerback unit even deeper by spending a first-round pick on former Texas CB Jahdae Barron in 2025. While No. 1 CB Patrick Surtain II will assuredly retain his starting role, the Broncos could end up hosting a competition between McMillian, Barron and No. 2 perimeter CB Riley Moss this year. Last year, Barron logged 155 snaps in the slot, 95 in the box and 90 on the perimeter and could have the talent to compete for either role.

The team did not hold a practice on Monday ahead of their Week 10 meeting with the Raiders on Thursday Night Football, but the fact two additional members of the secondary appeared on the injury report as non-participants is concerning considering the absence of Pat Surtain. Absences from either could improve the schematic matchups for Jakobi Meyers and Tre Tucker, with tight end Brock Bowers expected to see a good deal of coverage from standout safety Talanoa Hufanga.

Barron is one of the last first-round picks to sign, getting a four-year, $18.07 million deal with a fifth-year option. He joins a secondary with star CB Patrick Surtain leading the group. His last season out of Texas, Barron won the Jim Thorpe award for best defensive back and now is slated for the Broncos’ slot role. This leaves the Bengals’ Shemar Stewart as the last first-round pick unsigned. The Broncos have just RB R.J. Harvey unsigned among their rookie class - he is one of the 30 second-rounders unsigned due to contract guarantee disputes.

A local product from Austin, TX, Barron (5’11/194) arrived on campus in 2020 and proceeded to play 56 games over the next five years for the Longhorns. He played as a slot corner/safety for most of his first four years in Austin, only starting outside last year when he allowed a stingy 7.7 Yards Per Reception with a 7.9 ADOT. Just three of the 37 receptions he surrendered went for more than 15 yards, and Barron only gave up more than 35 receiving yards in a game one time all year. 63 of his 541 snaps were in press man coverage, with Texas DC Kyle Flood employing a zone-heavy scheme. Barron is a strong tackler who stays square to the ball carrier and is tough to shake with a 9.1 percent missed tackle rate. He thrived in his new role, earning a 91st percentile cover grade with five interceptions and a superb 34.2 NFL passer rating allowed when targeted. Verifying his exceptional tape with a 94th percentile 4.39s 40-yard dash and a solid 8.62 Relative Athletic Score, Barron got himself in conversations as early as the middle of the first round. As a movable chess piece who can line up all over the formation, Barron should be able to immediately step in and play heavy reps as a rookie.

McLaughlin was ruled out Wednesday for Week 16 by the Broncos on Wednesday, but it’s just a friendly reminder. Wilson will be the emergency third quarterback for the Thursday Night Football contest.

Moss (6'1/194) has been one of the best cornerbacks in the nation through the first six weeks of the season, recording four interceptions on the year, including four pass breakups. His earned a stellar 85.3 overall grade per Pro Football Focus for his standout play, but has been out of action since sustaining a knee injury celebrating an interception against Penn State back on October 9. His loss will be felt in a pivotal Big Ten West game at Wisconsin this Saturday.

After injuring his knee celebrating an interception, Moss (6'1/194) avoided major damage and will not require surgery. Luckily for the Hawkeyes, he should be back in a couple of weeks, but don’t expect to see him as the Hawkeyes take on Purdue on Saturday.

The loss of Moss (6'1/194) would be a huge blow to Iowa, as Moss has been one of the best cornerbacks in the nation through the first six weeks of the season. He’s logged four interceptions on the year, including four pass breakups, and has a 85.3 overall grade per Pro Football Focus. head coach Kirk Ferentz said after the game that he is, “optimistic at this point,” on the status of his star corner. Iowa, now at 6-0, hosts Purdue next Saturday.

Moss (6'1/194) suffered a non-contact knee injury while celebrating an interception with his teammates. This is a big loss for the Hawkeyes, as Moss has been one of the best corners in college football this season. He has been replaced by Terry Roberts.

Moss (6'1/194) was celebrating his fourth interception of the season with teammates when he appeared to take an awkward step. The senior cornerback fell to the turf, and ultimately had to be helped to Iowa’s injury tent by team trainers. Hopefully the injury isn’t serious, as Iowa’s defense would take a major hit if Ross were to be ruled out.