Denver Broncos can breathe a little easier. MRIs on cornerback Pat Surtain II and wide receiver Pat Bryant both came back without the worst-case results, according to NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport, who cited sources.
Both players went down with ankle injuries in Sunday’s loss to the San Francisco 49ers. Surtain’s was a non-contact injury.
He dropped to the turf, gripping his right foot and ankle until the Broncos’ medical staff reached him, and was helped to the locker room. He didn’t return for the second half.
That’s an uneasy sight for a defense built around him.
The 2024 Defensive Player of the Year is central to the Broncos’ game plan every week. Sources say this one is expected to be short-term, though.
Bryant’s outlook is a bit less rosy. He sprained his ankle on Sunday and left the field on a cart.
A source told ESPN’s Adam Schefter that he’s expected to miss “a few weeks.” That’s a real loss, since Bryant sits second on the team this season with 133 receiving yards.
His nine catches tie him with Courtland Sutton for third, and one of them went for a touchdown.
Up next for Denver Broncos is the winless Los Angeles Chargers on Sunday.
