Broncos' Ronald Darby Placed on IR with Hamstring Injury; Out at Least 3 Weeks

AP Photo/Steve Luciano

The Denver Broncos placed cornerback Ronald Darby on injured reserve due to a hamstring problem. 

Because of the designation, Darby will miss a minimum of three games. ESPN's Adam Schefter reported he'll be considered week-to-week once he's eligible to return to the field.

The Denver Post's Ryan O'Halloran followed to report the 27-year-old is "expected back shortly" once the three-week IR term ends.

Darby signed a three-year, $30 million contract this offseason, signaling what kind of role the franchise expected him to occupy. He made a positive impact in his Broncos debut, finishing with a team-high six tackles and one pass breakup as Denver beat the New York Giants 27-13.

His injury now opens the door for Patrick Surtain II, the No. 9 overall pick in the 2021 NFL draft. 

The former Alabama star was largely anonymous in the opener but made waves in the preseason thanks to his pick-six against the Minnesota Vikings.

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"He played well, obviously," head coach Vic Fangio told reporters after the game. "I expect a lot out of him. We only played him at corner today. We didn't play him inside at all. I wanted him to just play one position today."

Fangio and his staff will have to lean on Surtain a little earlier than expected, but that shouldn't be a problem considering the organization valued him highly enough to select him in the top 10.