Surtain ready to return: Broncos strengthened to face Commanders

Pat Surtain II ready for Broncos return

Denver Broncos cornerback Pat Surtain II, a two-time All-Pro and reigning Defensive Player of the Year, expressed feeling a bit “anxious,” but completely prepared to return to the field this Sunday against the Washington Commanders. Surtain missed the last three games due to a partial pectoral muscle injury, the longest period without playing in a season in his entire football career.

“It was definitely a little different for me,” Surtain commented.

Pat Surtain II

The return of Surtain is added to that of linebacker Alex Singleton, who recovered from cancer surgery. Singleton only missed one game after a cancerous tumor was removed from a testicle. This means that the Broncos (9-2) will have their full defensive strength to face the Commanders. Denver currently leads the NFL in sacks (49) and in the lowest QBR for opposing quarterbacks (46.7), as well as ranking third in the league in scoring defense. During Surtain’s absence, the team, with Kris Abrams-Draine and rookie Jahdae Barron sharing time in his position according to the lineups, achieved a 3-0 record. The Broncos maintain an eight-game winning streak, the longest since the 11-game winning streak at the end of the 2012 regular season.

“Those guys exude a lot of confidence, they played incredibly well, I became a fan from the band,” Surtain said. “… You could tell everyone was united, flying around the field, playing good football.”

Pat Surtain II

The Broncos’ defensive coordinator, Vance Joseph, added: “We had these two young guys splitting Pat’s role and it worked for both of them. Moving forward, it’s crucial for our team that these guys play as many meaningful reps. Now, with Pat’s return, we have no concerns. Depth is essential to win a championship and we have it (at the cornerback position) now.” Surtain suffered the injury while making a tackle in the final seconds of the first half of the Broncos’ Week 8 victory against the Dallas Cowboys. His left arm and shoulder twisted awkwardly as he tried to bring down receiver George Pickens after a reception. Denver did not place Surtain on the injured reserve list and the team’s bye week allowed him to return to training this week after missing only three games.

“At first, I didn’t know the severity of the injury, obviously in the heat of the moment you don’t know if it’s a tear or a strain,” Surtain explained. “I received the best possible news… I attacked the rehabilitation the right way, I strengthened it”.

Pat Surtain II

Surtain has 21 tackles this season. Before this season, he had only missed two games in his career, one as a rookie in 2021 and another last season.