Broncos Make Attention-Grabbing Decision Amid Pat Surtain II Injury
The Denver Broncos made a flurry of roster transactions on Tuesday, but it was what they did not do with cornerback Pat Surtain II that has the most significant implications.
Surtain strained his pec against the Dallas Cowboys in Week 8, and he will miss multiple games while he recovers. However, Surtain’s recovery could fall on the shorter end of what has already been projected for him.
The Broncos’ decision on Wednesday could be an indication that that is indeed the case.
Pat Surtain II Avoids Injured Reserve For Now
The Broncos cut quarterback Sam Ehlinger ahead of adding Dre Greenlaw back to their 53-man roster following the latter’s one-game suspension in Week 8. But Surtain avoided any action from the Broncos, which
“The Broncos did NOT put Pat Surtain on IR today,” DNVR’s Zac Stevens posted on X on October 28. “Good sign.”
That was the prevailing sentiment around a situation with
Surtain has been durable for the Broncos, but this injury threatens to sideline him for up to six weeks. However, the Broncos are holding out hope that the All-Pro defender will be able to make it back sooner.
Placing Surtain on IR would mean he has to miss at least four games. His earliest return date would have been Week 14 against the Las Vegas Raiders.
As it stands, Surtain will certainly miss Week 9 against the
However, Surtain could, in theory, miss “multiple weeks” and return as soon as Week 11, which is also against the Raiders. If there is one reason to temper optimism, it is that the Broncos also delayed placing Greenlaw on IR until Week 3 of the season.
That was despite his injury occurring in training camp. Greenlaw was forced to miss Weeks 4 through 7, only to receive a suspension in his return.
The Broncos went 5-2 in games Greenlaw missed.
Broncos Face Steep Challenge to Replace Pat Surtain II
GettyPat Surtain II #2 of the Denver Broncos is helped off the field after an injury against the Dallas Cowboys.
They boast depth in their secondary, but replacing Surtain is a different challenge altogether for the Broncos to navigate.
Former NFL player Marcus Spears lamented the loss of Surtain for the Broncos, noting the onus will be on defensive coordinator Vance Joseph to scheme around his absence. Spears called the situation a “big deal” for the Broncos to overcome.
The three-time Pro Bowler allows Joseph plenty of flexibility.
“Think about how much availability Vance Joseph has to either bring pressure when he wants to, to feel confident about Patrick Surtain and the guy that he’s covering. Also, you think about how well this team pass rushes. At some point, some quarterbacks were gonna get greedy and think that they could go and attack Surtain during the season. Or they were going to try to see if they could make a play on their side, and it probably was gonna end up in a interception. I don’t think this dude’s absence can be minimized,” Spears said on “
“This is a big deal. For them, I want to see how Vance Joseph adjusts to this up front. Because I think pressure or either leaning into a four-man rush is how you compensate, as opposed to thinking you’re gonna have somebody to replace.”
Broncos Move on Highly Regarded $64 Million Veteran Pro Bowler
The Denver Broncos are in the market for offensive help. They have been linked to a potential deal for a wide receiver. But the Broncos have shown their hand when it comes to the tight end position, including in former
Lewis was the No. 28 overall pick of the 2006 draft.
After 12 seasons in Duval, Lewis signed with the Green Bay Packers. He spent five seasons with the Packers from 2018 through 2022.
Broncos Bring ‘Big Dog’ Marcedes Lewis in for Workout
GettyMarcedes Lewis #84 of the Chicago Bears on the field against the Los Angeles Rams.
Lewis spent two seasons with the Bears, but he has not been with any organization this season, which could be informative for the Broncos. Still, he is one of the most respected players in the
“The #Broncos worked out 41-year-old free agent TE Marcedes Lewis today,” NFL Network’s Mike Garafolo reported on X on October 28.
Lewis has 437 receptions for 5,115 yards and 40 touchdowns in his career.
“They won’t find a better person (and) a better presence in the locker room,” a source close to Lewis said,
The Broncos missed out on two other options in Ben Sims and Brenden Bates, who joined the
However, Lewis’ best ability is arguably his durability.
“He’s been remarkably durable as he’s aged,” Denver Sports’ Andrew Mason posted
Lewis has earned $64.5 million in his career, per Over The Cap
Broncos Cause Stir With TE Interest
The Broncos’ misses fueled speculation amid a report from The Athletic’s Dianna Russini noting the team was “monitoring” the market for tight ends before the 2025 trade deadline.
It is unclear if the Broncos would have plans beyond Lewis, but his reputation precedes him.
“The Broncos are actively searching for another tight end,” Tomasson posted on X on October 28. “Marcedes Lewis, who tried out today, is 41 and obviously a consummate veteran. The 19-year veteran last played last season with Chicago.”
Lewis also shares a common background with Broncos general manager George Paton as a former UCLA Bruin.
9News’ Mike Klis noted on X on October 28 that Lewis has “settled into a blocking role.”
Klis also called Lewis a “physical freak,” adding that he “is still a quality run blocker. And regarded as great locker room presence.” The Denver Post’s Luca Evans noted Lewis is a “big name” and that the Broncos are “clearly looking for blocking-TE help.”
Fittingly, Lewis’ nickname is “Big Dog,” which speaks both to his physical stature and the respect he has earned throughout his career, which includes a Pro Bowl in 2010.
Broncos Offer Glimmer of Hope About Veteran TE
Part of the reason the Broncos are exploring options like Lewis is that they are banged up at the tight end position and have already felt the brunt of being short-handed there.
Evan Engram missed one game with a back injury and was hindered by a calf issue in another one. The Broncos are currently navigating an issue with Nate Adkins, who doubles as a fullback, but is dealing with a knee injury.
He is not the only one whom the Broncos are still missing despite rostering two prospects.
“#Broncos have concerns at TE,” Tomasson posted on X before reports of Denver’s interest in Lewis surfaced. “Nate Adkins suffered knee injury vs Cowboys. And as we reported yesterday Lucas Krull had foot surgery & out about 8 more weeks. Broncos seeking 3rd TE after Evan Engram & Adam Trautman since Caleb Lohner and Patrick Murtagh are raw.”
In a potentially encouraging development, the Broncos did not place Adkins on injured reserve. That could indicate they expect him to miss fewer than four games.
That could explain why the Broncos made an early effort to make contact with Lewis.
