Pat

Surtain II

When it rains it pours, and Bryce Young is stuck in a torrential downpour. He heads into his Week 8 matchup with the Broncos without Diontae Johnson or Adam Thielen. Denver, on the other hand, is getting their shutdown corner back in the lineup after a one-game absence.

The Broncos’ two-time-defending Pro Bowl cornerback is on track to return in Week 8 after missing Week 7 with a concussion. He should be good to go as long as he remains symptom-free. The Broncos take on a Panthers’ offense now led by Bryce Young this week.

Surtain sustained the concussion early in Denver’s Week 6 loss to the Chargers and did not return. The turnaround to Thursday Night Football was always going to be too quick for him to clear the league’s protocol. He will eye a Week 8 return versus the Panthers.

Surtain was estimated as a non-participant for practice for the second day in a row. He exited Week 6 against the Chargers due to a concussion and seems to still be in the protocol. On a short week ahead of a Thursday game against the Saints, it does not look like Surtain is slated to play. The Saints are thin at wide receiver, so Bub Means may be the primary beneficiary here.

It’s an estimated practice, but it would be stunning if Surtain was ready to face the Saints on Thursday night after entering protocol on Sunday. That’s a boost for New Orleans’ passing game, though at this point with Chris Olave also not practicing and Spencer Rattler under center, the circle of trustable Saints fantasy players might not be more than Alvin Kamara and Rashid Shaheed.

Update: Surtain has been ruled out with a concussion. Surtain and Ladd McConkey collided early in the game. Both players were removed from play and screened for a concussion. Surtain’s test results are currently unknown but we should have word soon.

The deal includes $77.5 million in guaranteed money for Surtain, a 2021 first round pick who has seven interceptions over his first three NFL seasons. Pro Football Focus graded Surtain as 2023’s 68th best cover corner, and 47th overall. The Broncos in 2023 allowed the league’s 11th highest drop back success rate. Surtain will anchor the Denver secondary for years to come.

Surtain is entering his fourth season as a pro and is coming off arguably his worst year. The former No. 9 overall pick earned a PFF coverage grade of 64.7 last season while allowing 56 receptions for 701 yards and three touchdowns. It was the most receptions and yards he had ever allowed in a season, while opposing quarterbacks also enjoyed a 93.9 passer rating when targeting the Broncos’ CB1. The bill will soon come due for Surtain, who had his fifth-year option picked up earlier this offseason. While it’s possible he will play out this season without an extension, it wouldn’t be surprising to see him ink a new deal next offseason if the Broncos view him as part of their long-term plans.

Surtain was knocked from Week 13’s contest against the Texans with a left knee injury but practiced all three days this week. He was a full participant in the team’s final two practices and will be ready to go against the division-rival Chargers.

Surtain suffered an apparent left knee injury in the first quarter against the Texans. He briefly headed into the medical tent before leaving for the locker room for further testing. Surtain is the Broncos’ star cornerback and the Texans’ receivers should have an easier time getting open if he cannot return.