Patrick Surtain II Says No to IR as Broncos Fight to Keep Season Alive
The Denver Broncos may have avoided their worst-case scenario. Despite early reports that star cornerback Patrick Surtain II was expected to miss 4–6 weeks with a pectoral strain and likely be placed on Injured Reserve, the All-Pro defender has rejected that move — determined to stay on the active roster and return sooner than anyone expected.
Surtain suffered the injury while bringing down Cowboys receiver George Pickens in the first quarter, immediately grabbing his upper chest before leaving the game. Additional evaluations confirmed no surgery is required, which opened the door for a quicker recovery timeline if Surtain responds well to treatment over the next two weeks. Instead of accepting a mandatory four-week shutdown, he made his stance clear to both coaches and teammates.
“I refuse to let an injury define our season. I know what this team is capable of, and I’m not watching from the sideline any longer than I have to.”
The Broncos originally leaned toward placing him on IR to free a roster spot, but Sean Payton acknowledged that the decision is no longer straightforward. The team needs its best player on defense, especially with a playoff push building momentum. Payton praised Surtain’s mindset, saying the team will allow him every opportunity to return as soon as he proves ready.
Surtain’s value can’t be overstated. The reigning Defensive Player of the Year has allowed just 306 passing yards this season with a 92.7 PFF coverage grade through seven games. Without him, Denver’s secondary would rely heavily on rookies Kris Abrams-Draine and Jahdae Barron, while Riley Moss and Ja’Quan McMillian rotate into expanded roles. With the Packers, Texans, and Chiefs looming over the next month, every coverage snap matters.
League analyst Jordan Schultz called Surtain’s potential absence “the difference between Denver contending and collapsing,” and fans shared similar anxiety on social media. Yet Surtain’s refusal to go quietly offers a wave of optimism inside the building — confidence that he can beat the clock and help Denver sustain one of its most promising starts in years.
The Broncos have not finalized any roster move, and all signs now point toward keeping Surtain active while monitoring his progress daily. He won’t rush irresponsibly — but he won’t watch his team battle from the sideline if there’s even a chance to compete. This season feels different in Denver, and their defensive cornerstone intends to be part of it.
The message is simple: The Broncos are contenders. And Patrick Surtain intends to be on the field when they prove it.
Seahawks Lose Key Player With Knee Injury Ahead of Buccaneers Clash
Seattle, WA – October 2, 2025
The Seattle Seahawks could be without one of their defensive cornerstones when they face the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in Week 5 at Lumen Field. Pro Bowl cornerback
Witherspoon has been dealing with a bruised MCL since the start of the season and has only suited up in two games so far. He was absent from both practices this week, including Thursday’s session, leaving his status in serious doubt.
CBS Sports’ Matt Zenitz reported that the 24-year-old star is “currently considered unlikely to play versus the Buccaneers”, a blow for Seattle’s defense as they try to snap their losing skid.
The timing could not be worse. The Seahawks have dropped consecutive games and haven’t beaten Tampa Bay since 2019. Without Witherspoon’s ability to shut down top receivers, the defense will be severely tested.
Last season, Witherspoon emerged as one of the NFL’s brightest young cornerbacks, earning his second straight Pro Bowl nod and establishing himself as a leader in Seattle’s secondary. His absence removes a playmaker known for aggression, speed, and swagger.
Head coach Mike Macdonald admitted the loss will sting. “Devon is a competitor and a tone-setter for us,” Macdonald said. “If he can’t go, it’s the next man up, but you can’t replace everything he brings to the field.”
For a team already under pressure, the challenge grows steeper. Seattle must rely on Riq Woolen and rookie depth options to fill the void, while hoping the pass rush can ease the burden on a short-handed secondary.
Witherspoon’s long-term health will be closely monitored. But for now, the Seahawks are preparing to battle Tampa Bay without their rising star — a reality that could define the outcome of Week 5.
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