Broncos' Patrick Surtain II Reportedly Won't Go on IR With Injury, Could Miss 3 Games

The Denver Broncos got some good news about Patrick Surtain II's pec injury suffered in Sunday's win over the Dallas Cowboys.

Per NFL Network's Ian Rapoport, the Broncos won't place Surtain on injured reserve and there is a possibility he only misses three games.

Surtain was injured late in the second quarter and didn't return to the game in the second half.

NFL insider Jordan Schultz reported on Monday that Surtain was expected to miss four to six weeks and he was seeking a second opinion, but surgery wasn't required to address the situation.

Rapoport previously reported that Surtain's injury was diagnosed as a pectoral strain and could result on him being placed on IR, though his status would be evaluated on a "week-to-week" basis.

The Broncos' schedule lines up in a way that makes it easier for Surtain to avoid a potential IR stint. They have three games remaining before their bye in Week 12.

That gives Surtain 35 days of recovery and rehab time before a Nov. 30 game against the Washington Commanders.

If the Broncos placed Surtain on IR, he would be required to miss each of the next four games. The earliest he would be eligible to return is Dec. 7 against the Las Vegas Raiders.

Surtain, the reigning Defensive Player of the Year, is having another fantastic season for a Broncos defense that ranks fifth in the NFL in points allowed per game.

Even playing without their best cornerback for the next three games, the Broncos can get by because of how much talent they have on defense. Their 36 sacks are 10 more than any other team in the NFL has entering Week 9.

A three-game absence does mean Surtain wouldn't be available for Denver's first matchup with the Kansas City Chiefs on Nov. 16. He will also miss games against the Houston Texans (Nov. 2) and Raiders (Nov. 6).

The Broncos (6-2) currently hold a one-game lead over the Chiefs and Los Angeles Chargers for first place in the AFC West.