The Denver Broncos had their three-game winning streak snapped on Sunday, losing 23-16 to the Los Angeles Chargers. But the team also lost something worse than losing one game when Pat Surtain II had to leave following the team's first defensive snap.
Surtain's head hit the turf during a play involving Chargers wide receiver Ladd McConkey. He was able to walk off the field under his own power, but he was holding his head. It was later revealed that Surtain suffered a concussion.
The worst part of this for the Broncos is the fact that it's a short week for the team. They now go on the road to face the New Orleans Saints on Thursday Night Football. That will make it tough for Surtain to clear protocol and be available to play, if not impossible.
The Saints have lost four games in a row following a 2-0 start to the season and are starving for a win. They will likely be thrilled that they don't have to face Surtain, who is arguably the best cornerback in the league.
Pat Surtain unlikely to clear concussion protocol for Week 7
Whether or not Surtain can play will obviously depend on the severity of the concussion, but the Broncos should plan to be without him as it doesn't seem likely he can clear protocol in just a few days.
Pat Surtain is in good spirits and doing okay, he told me this evening.
— Zac Stevens (@ZacStevensDNVR) October 14, 2024
He suffered a concussion during the game and is in concussion protocol, but he's doing okay.
The Broncos' defense was nowhere near as good without Surtain on Sunday, as Justin Herbert was able to throw the ball better than he has all season. Though he left the game early, it changed the complexion of the game completely.
If Surtain is unable to play against the Saints, the Broncos will most likely shift Levi Wallace into a starting role along with Riley Moss and Ja'Quan McMillian.
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