The Kansas City Chiefs sit with a 5-3 record after defeating the Washington Commanders 28-7 on Monday Night Football to end Week 8. Now, head coach Andy Reid & Co. will spend the next two weeks on the road, where they'll face the Buffalo Bills and Denver Broncos in Weeks 9 and 11, with a much-needed bye sandwiched in between.
While the Chiefs are dealing with their own injuries heading into this tough stretch, they just received some good news. Heading into Week 9, NFL insider Jordan Schultz is reporting that Denver star cornerback Patrick Surtain II is dealing with a pectoral injury and is set to be sidelined for anywhere between four and six weeks.
With him gone for the foreseeable future, Surtain will certainly be missing the Week 11 contest against Kansas City.
Broncos CB Patrick Surtain II Set to Miss Week 11 Contest vs. Chiefs
While he won't need surgery, not having to face off against one of the best cornerbacks in the league is a win. Especially since the Chiefs have their full complement of weapons, this is something that'll favor Kansas City's direction.
This season, Surtain has allowed 19 receptions for 189 receiving yards and zero touchdowns. He's only given up more than 50 receiving yards in two games this campaign, including five straight games with less than that.
That's a massive loss for a Broncos defense that's fifth in yards allowed (281.4) and seventh in pass defense (186.3). They'll now have to rely on some depth pieces to step up. Riley Moss and Ja'Quan McMillian have started at two cornerback spots, but the question is who will step in for Surtain?
Jahdae Barron was drafted in the first round of the 2025 NFL draft and has logged 127 total defensive snaps. Kris Abrams-Draine has also gotten some run, playing in 37 total snaps. Based on the production this season, they'll likely lean on the rookie Barron. He's logged 12 total tackles, three pass deflections, and one interception. According to Pro Football Focus, he has a 63 overall grade and 59.7 coverage grade.
It'll be interesting to see who the Broncos use in this place, but it should be an area where the Chiefs attack. Denver is currently 6-2 on the season, with the Chiefs one game back in the division. After beating the Broncos 16 straight times, Denver has defeated the Chiefs in two of the last three outings.
Every division game is critical, but this one will have some extra juice. And since Surtain likely won't be available, the Chiefs will need to take advantage and secure a huge divisional win.