Riley

Moss

Neither Surtain or Riley Moss (ribs) practiced on Wednesday. Head coach Sean Payton said the Broncos don’t anticipate placing Surtain on injured reserve. The injuries to both corners look to be shorter-term; Surtain is week-to-week while Moss’ return timeline is not disclosed yet. Both are on the wrong side of questionable for Week 5 against the Chargers.

According to Rapoport, there are no longer any concerns that this is an Achilles injury for Surtain, who left Week 4’s game against the 49ers with a non-contact injury. Surtain could be looking at a multi-week absence and will undergo an MRI soon to confirm the severity of his injury, but it sounds like he avoided anything too serious. In addition to Surtain, the Broncos are also evaluating the status of CB Riley Moss, who is dealing with a rib injury.

Moss exited Friday’s game with an apparent rib injury, but Payton said the team is choosing to make the smart decision by not practicing him. Moss totaled 57 tackles and one interception last season and has started all 31 games he has appeared in since 2024.

Broncos CB Pat Surtain appeared to force a fumble from Packers WR Christian Watson moments after Watson hauled in the pass. Moss dove on it, injuring himself in the process, but Watson was eventually ruled down by contact. Bummer. Moss was grabbing at the right side of his rib cage as he entered the blue medical tent. If Moss misses time, the Broncos have CB Jahdae Barron waiting in the wings.

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.

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 missed Week 13 with the knee issue. Even with a Week 14 bye for extra rest, Moss was unable to practice at any point this week. Moss has eight pass breakups and one interception this year. He is the only Bronco with an injury designation heading into the weekend.

Not much to see here for one of the healthier teams in the league as they look to keep pace for one of the final Wildcard spots out of the AFC. The Broncos currently reside in the seventh and final playoff spot, holding off the Colts by a game and a half.

The leaky Denver secondary will be without Moss and Skinner against a struggling Green Bay passing offense. Meanwhile, Denver’s offensive line will face a solid Packers front seven without Forsyth.