The Denver Broncos will be without All-Pro cornerback Pat Surtain II for several weeks due to a pectoral injury suffered against the Dallas Cowboys in Week 8. And while the exact timeline for Surtain’s absence remains unclear, who the Broncos decide to replace him with is paramount.
If Week 8 was any indication, the Broncos will turn to 2024 fifth-round draft pick Kris Abrams-Draine opposite Riley Moss with Ja’Quan McMillian at nickelback.
However, he is not the Broncos’ only option to replace Surtain in the lineup during his injury.
Broncos HC Sean Payton Praises Kris Abrams-Draine
GettyKris Abrams-Draine #31 of the Denver Broncos in action against the Green Bay Packers.
The Broncos selected Abrams-Draine in the fifth round, with the No. 145 overall pick of the 2024 draft. He played in five games and drew one start as a rookie, making him a relative unknown despite his second-year status.
Abrams-Draine allowed completions on all five of the targets he faced, surrendering 61 yards in total, in Surtain’s place against the Cowboys, per Pro Football Focus.
Payton still praised the youngster and Broncos defensive coordinator Vance Joseph.
“I think how we played was outstanding when he wasn’t in. And look, that’s a big deal, especially when a large part of your plan is dealing with rotation and matchups, and you’re dealing with [Nos.] 3 [George Pickens] and 88 [CeeDee Lamb]. And then, all of a sudden, that one element goes away. It can be a little bit disruptive,” Payton told reporters on October 27.
“I thought Kris did a great job. The whole lot of them did when we went without Pat. And we continued to play a handful of the coverages. And yet, Vance did a good job adjusting. So, that was very encouraging.”
Abrams-Draine allowed opposing QBs to complete five of the 15 passes thrown in his direction in 2024, per PFF. So, there is a track record for the Broncos to fall back on.
Broncos’ Plans for Jahdae Barron Unclear
GettyJahdae Barron #12 of the Denver Broncos looks on against the San Francisco 49ers.
The Broncos have another in-house option besides Abrams-Draine, having used their first-round pick in the 2025 draft, No. 20 overall, on Jahdae Barron.
“Pat Surtain II’s injury is exactly why the Broncos drafted Jahdae Barron in the first round,” DNVR’s Zac Stevens posted on X on October 27. “They have depth at CB and will rely on it when Surtain is sidelined.”
Barron has played in all eight of the Broncos’ games this season.
He also started in Week 2 against the Indianapolis Colts and recorded his first career interception in Week 8 against the Cowboys, which Payton called a “big play.”
Former Defensive Player of the Year Among Outside Options
GettyStephon Gilmore #2 of the Minnesota Vikings warms up before a game against the Houston Texans.
Surtain could be back as soon as Week 13 against the Washington Commanders. If the Broncos place Surtain on injured reserve, the soonest he would be eligible to return is in Week 14 against the Las Vegas Raiders.
On the longer range, Surtain would not return until Week 15 against the Green Bay Packers.
If the Broncos look for outside help, 2019 Defensive Player of the Year Stephon Gilmore is available in free agency, though he has not been with any team at all this season.
The Broncos face the Houston Texans (Week 9), the Raiders (Week 10), and the Kansas City Chiefs (Week 11) before their bye. Payton left the door open for the Broncos to explore trade options before the November 4 deadline.
Surtain’s injury could ultimately force the cornerback position onto the Broncos’ list of needs.
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