Overview
- Ian Rapoport reports Denver does not plan to place the reigning Defensive Player of the Year on injured reserve after tests confirmed a pectoral strain without a tear.
- Staying off IR preserves the possibility he misses only the Texans, Raiders and Chiefs before the bye, with the Commanders circled as a potential return opponent.
- An IR move would have mandated at least four missed games under NFL rules, eliminating a Week 13 return scenario.
- Sean Payton declined to confirm any IR decision publicly, praised rookie Kris Abrams-Draine’s hands, and is preparing Abrams-Draine, Jahdae Barron and Riley Moss for larger roles.
- Speaking on his podcast, Surtain said he will attack rehab and aims for a swift return, as the 6-2 Broncos manage a key stretch atop the AFC West.