Broncos' Patrick Surtain Reportedly Could Go on IR After Pectoral Injury vs. Cowboys

The Denver Broncos reportedly could be without star cornerback Patrick Surtain II for the next handful of games.

NFL Network's Ian Rapoport reported Monday that Surtain suffered a pectoral strain that "could land" him on injured reserve even though he's considered "week-to-week." 

NFL insider Jordan Schultz reported the expectation is he will miss four-to-six weeks, although he will not need surgery and is seeking a second opinion.

Surtain suffered the injury during Sunday's win over the Dallas Cowboys and did not return for the second half.

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While the Broncos will miss the cornerback while he is sidelined, it is a welcome development that he wasn't lost for the rest of the season. After all, he is one of the best defensive players in the entire league with a resume that includes last year's Defensive Player of the Year, two First-Team All-Pro selections and three Pro Bowl nods.

He has exceeded the high expectations that were in place when the Broncos selected him with the No. 9 overall pick of the 2021 NFL draft and is a franchise cornerstone for the AFC West team.

Surtain has nine passes defended through eight games this season after finishing last year with 45 tackles, 11 passes defended, four interceptions, one forced fumble, one fumble recovery and one defensive touchdown.

Denver has three games remaining before its bye week, which could be an approximate timeline for when Surtain will return given Monday's reports. It faces the Houston Texans, Las Vegas Raiders and Kansas City Chiefs in the next three games.

That would mean three AFC contests, including two in the division, without its defensive leader.

But a late return could allow Surtain to help lead the 6-2 Broncos into the playoffs for the second straight year.