He is the cornerstone of the Denver Broncos' defense. His presence on the field is like a master closer in baseball; he shuts down one entire side of the game. For the Kansas City Chiefs, facing him is a strategic nightmare. But a ripple of news from the Rocky Mountains just changed the atmosphere. The AFC West landscape might be shifting right before a crucial November showdown.
The initial diagnosis for Pat Surtain II suggested a 4-6 week absence. This would have sidelined him for the Chiefs game on November 17. However, NFL Network's Ian Rapoport reported a twist on October 29.
The News That'll Make the Kansas City Chiefs Tense
"The Broncos are not planning to place reigning DPOY Pat Surtain II on Injured Reserve, source said, and it’s possible that he only misses 3 games with his pec strain," Rapoport said.
Now Ian suggests Surtain may return against the Commanders after the bye and not against the Chiefs. But this development adds a new layer of intrigue.
The Chiefs play the Broncos again just after Christmas. And Surtain could be back for that game. But more importantly, Surtain's presence makes Denver all the more dangerous in the AFC West race. Meanwhile, Denver’s defense fundamentally changes without its star.
Coordinator Vance Joseph once stated, "Everything we do starts with Pat." His ability to erase a top receiver is unparalleled. He has allowed zero touchdowns and just 189 receiving yards this season. The entire defensive scheme is built around him. And his potential absence forces a complete tactical recalibration.
The Chiefs' offense must have been licking its chops. Patrick Mahomes thrives on exploiting mismatches. Facing a secondary without Pat Surtain II is a golden opportunity. Young receivers like Xavier Worthy could see more favorable coverage. Andy Reid’s playbook would have undoubtedly tested a Surtain-less Denver’s depth early and often. But the news of his comeback complicates all equations.
Now, who steps into the spotlight for the Broncos in the meanwhile?
The duty falls to Kris Abrams-Draine and rookie Jahdae Barron. This is their moment, a trial by fire against the league’s best quarterback. The pressure on this young duo will be immense. How they handle it could decide the entire game.
A New Challenge for Pat Surtain II's Replacement
Historically, Pat Surtain II has been a thorn in Kansas City's side. In his seven career games against the Chiefs, he has two interceptions and 23 combined tackles, per Statmuse. He consistently makes his presence felt. And his coverage often forces Mahomes to hold the ball longer.
The Broncos' confidence in their depth is clear. They are not expected to pursue a cornerback at the trade deadline. They believe in their young players. However, trusting a rookie against Travis Kelce and company is a massive gamble.
Sean Payton acknowledged the disruption. "That's a big deal, especially when a large part of your plan is dealing with rotation and matchups," Payton told the reporters on Monday. "Then all of a sudden that one element goes away, it can be a little bit disruptive." This admission reveals the true scale of the challenge. The entire defensive identity must adapt in a very short time.
In the end, this injury news flips the script for the Chiefs. What seemed like a guaranteed advantage is now a complex puzzle. The Broncos hope their defense can survive this stretch. The Chiefs must pounce on this temporary vulnerability in November. And they'd hope for Surtain to not return till late December. In the brutal AFC West, every single game carries immense weight. If the Chiefs manage to strike early, the division race swings red.