Pat Surtain Proud of Winning NFL Defensive Player of the Year, But Faces Pectoral Injury That Will Keep Him Out for 4-6 Weeks
Denver Broncos cornerback Pat Surtain II is experiencing mixed emotions following a tough blow to his season. While the pride of winning the NFL Defensive Player of the Year award last season remains fresh, Surtain now faces a significant pectoral injury that will keep him sidelined for an estimated 4 to 6 weeks. The injury occurred during the Broncos' recent game against the Dallas Cowboys, and it has forced the star cornerback into a challenging recovery period.
Surtain, who has established himself as one of the league's premier defensive players, expressed both pride in his past accomplishments and frustration with the timing of the injury. "Winning Defensive Player of the Year last season was a huge honor, and I take a lot of pride in that," Surtain said. "But right now, my focus is on getting healthy and doing everything I can to help my team. It’s a tough break, but I’ll come back stronger."
The injury to Surtain's pectoral muscle will undoubtedly be a significant loss for the Broncos, as he has been the cornerstone of their secondary. His ability to lock down top receivers and his leadership on the field have made him one of the most valuable players on the defense. His absence creates a void that will require other members of the defensive backfield to step up.
Head coach Sean Payton addressed the situation, expressing confidence in the rest of the team to carry the load during Surtain's recovery. "We’re going to miss Pat’s leadership and playmaking ability," Payton said. "He’s one of the best in the game, but we have faith in the guys who will step into those roles. This is an opportunity for others to rise up, and we’re going to continue pushing forward."
Surtain’s injury is a reminder of how quickly fortunes can change in the NFL, and the Broncos will now rely on their depth to maintain their defensive dominance. Despite the setback, Surtain remains optimistic and committed to returning as soon as possible. "I’ll be doing everything I can to get back on the field," he said. "The team’s goals are still within reach, and I’m looking forward to contributing when I get back."
In the meantime, the Broncos will look to fill the gap left by Surtain’s absence. Whether through a temporary adjustment in the secondary or a rising star stepping up to take on a larger role, Denver’s defense will be put to the test as they navigate the coming weeks without their top cornerback.
As the Broncos head into their next set of games, all eyes will be on Surtain’s recovery process. While his absence is a major blow, the confidence and leadership he’s instilled in the defense should remain strong, with the hope that he’ll return ready to continue his exceptional play.
Raiders Predicted to Add 628-Yard, 8-Touchdown WR for Geno Smith
It’s been a rough year for the Las Vegas Raiders, a team that had some expectations entering the year. Sitting in fourth place in the AFC West, the Raiders are currently 2-5, and things don’t look like they’re going to get much better anytime in the near future.
It’ll be interesting to see the direction the organization takes over the next year or so, but it’s obvious that if Geno Smith is going to be the quarterback long-term, the Raiders have to find some better weapons around him.
When searching for ways to do that, PFN predicted that the Raiders would select a wide receiver with a top 10 pick. They had the Raiders selecting Jordyn Tyson out of Arizona State with the seventh overall pick, with Tyson being the top-rated wide receiver on many boards as of now.
“The Raiders could go with offensive line help here, but with Jakobi Meyers set to leave in 2026 and rookies Jack Bech and Dont’e Thornton failing to produce, Las Vegas might need to target a bona fide WR1 in the 2026 NFL Draft.
“At around 6’1″, 195 pounds, Tyson downsizes a touch from Meyers, but Tyson’s three-level dynamic ability is near-unmatched in the 2026 class. He’s a fluid and instinctive separator, an acrobatic catch artist, an explosive vertical presence, and a venerable RAC weapon,” Ian Cummings wrote.
Why Should Raiders Pursue Jordyn Tyson in the NFL Draft?
Taking a wide receiver in the top 10 typically doesn’t go as well as some teams expect it, unless a player is a true star. Mel Kiper Jr. of ESPN also believes that the Las Vegas Raiders and other teams wouldn’t be wrong for selecting him in the top 10, naming him the eighth-best player in the country entering this upcoming draft.
“The Colorado transfer has teamed up with quarterback Sam Leavitt to light up defenses for two seasons now. Tyson’s superpower is being open even when it looks like he’s completely blanketed. It makes him essentially uncoverable in the red zone. He wins on 50-50 balls and outmuscles defensive backs. His 116 receiving yards after first contact rank inside the top 20 nationwide,” he wrote.
The Raiders Need to Bolster Their Receiver Group
It’s important that the Las Vegas Raiders find a wide receiver.
It was reported a few days ago that the team could look to move on from Jakobi Meyers, but even if he doesn’t get traded, he’s set to hit the free agency market at the end of the year, and after his trade request in the offseason, it seems like he’ll leave when he has a chance.
Even if they were to add a player of Tyson’s caliber, it’s also crucial that Las Vegas goes out and tries to find a veteran. Some of the players on the roster have loved what Meyers has done, stating that he’s been a great veteran to have around.
“Jakobi has been awesome. I was really telling him how thankful I am of him this past weekend, just of all the mentoring that he’s given because I said, ‘You know, you didn’t have to do that’. He doesn’t have to help the young guys,” Bech said. “You hear a lot of stories about young guys coming into rooms where vets don’t really help them out. ‘Kob and Tre (Tucker) have been nothing short of awesome to me and Dont’e, just helping us learn and grow each and every day when we come in here,” Jack Beech said.
