Huge News for Broncos Defense Before Facing Commanders
The scariest moment of the season for the Denver Broncos came when news broke NFL All-Pro cornerback Patrick Surtain II was going to miss 4-6 weeks after he partially tore his pectoral muscle in a Week 8 win over the
How, pray tell, would the Broncos forge on without the reigning NFL Defensive Player of the Year? For any other team you could have chalked up several defeats to losing a player of that caliber.
For the Broncos, it has only meant piling up more wins and more resiliency as they waited for Surtain’s return, which will now come in Week 13 against the Washington Commanders
“Broncos All-Pro CB Pat Surtain II (pec) is off the injury report and set to make his return Sunday night vs. Washington,” NFL Network’s Tom Pelissero wrote on his official X account on Friday, November 28.
That puts Surtain at least 2 weeks ahead of the worst case scenario schedule as he’s missed the Broncos’ last 3 games leading up their bye in Week 12.
The Broncos are 9-2, winners of 8 consecutive games and in the running for the No. 1 seed in the AFC Playoffs.
Getting Surtain back almost seems like an unfair advantage at this point — remember this is the same defense that’s on pace to break the NFL record for single season sacks set by the 1984
More Insight Into Extent of Surtain’s Injury
Surtain told DenverSports.com’s Andrew Mason the Broncos took a cautious approach to his return from injury — the right approach to a player the franchise invested a 4-year, $96 million contract extension in before last season.
“Obviously we know we’re at a good state with the team, so … I took my time with it,” Surtain told Mason on November 28.
“Pat Surtain II is officially back from what he described as a partially torn pec,”
Surtain Still Game’s Elite Cover Cornerback
If you want to know what kind of level Surtain is playing at right now, consider there is no real competition for the unofficial title of the NFL’s elite cover cornerback right now.
It’s Surtain and then it’s everybody else.
In ESPN’s preseason position rankings, Surtain took 90 percent of all first place votes for cornerbacks as voted upon by a group of NFL coaches, executives and scouts.
Surtain kept his iron grip on the top spot in the ESPN Top 10 position rankings for the second consecutive year and increased his advantage over the competition by a considerable margin.
“Surtain’s grip on the top spot was stronger this time around, as he earned nearly 90% of the first-place votes compared to slightly above 50% last summer,” ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler
Surtain was the first NFL Defensive Player of the Year winner for the Broncos since linebacker Randy Gradishar in 1978 and the first cornerback to win since New England Patriots
Celtics’ Jaylen Brown dealing with injury ahead of Timberwolves matchup
The Boston Celtics are set to play the Minnesota Timberwolves on Saturday evening. They could be without
Neemias Queta îs also questionable due to a left ankle sprain. Derrick White is probable with a right calf contusion.
The Celtics are hoping to get healthy soon. While Jayson Tatum remains out, Jaylen Brown has led the way and played well. The 29-year-old is averaging 28.2 points per game on 49.5 percent field goal and 34 percent three-point shooting. He is also recording 5.8 rebounds and 4.3 assists per contest.
Brown may have an opportunity to compete for his first MVP this season as he leads the Celtics. Boston needs him on the floor without question.
At 10-8, the Timberwolves will present a challenge for the Celtics. Minnesota is currently in seventh place in the Western Conference standings. Boston, meanwhile, is eighth in the Eastern Conference with a 10-8 record as well. The game projects to be a competitive affair.
Tip-off for the Celtics vs. Timberwolves clash is scheduled for 5 PM EST in Minnesota on Saturday night.
Jaylen Brown headlines Celtics full injury report vs. Timberwolves
The Celtics have six players listed on the injury report for Saturday's game including Brown.
- Derrick White (right calf contusion): Probable
- Jaylen Brown (back spasms): Questionable
- Neemias Queta (left ankle sprain): Questionable
- Jayson Tatum (right Achilles repair): Out
- Ron Harper Jr. (G League two-way): Out
- Max Shulga (G League two-way): Out
