The Denver Broncos saw a familiar face back on the practice with as Patrick Surtain II made his return since entering the NFL’s concussion protocol. Will he have a chance to play in Sunday’s home matchup against the Carolina Panthers?
Denver Broncos CB Patrick Surtain II returns to practice
The Denver Broncos were back on the practice field on Wednesday for the first time since Thursday’s road win against the New Orleans Saints. Patrick Surtain II was spotted at practice as he continues to go through the NFL’s concussion protocol, since suffering one in the Broncos’ Week 6 loss at home against the Los Angeles Chargers.
Surtain, who is firmly in the conversation early on for NFL Defensive Player of the Year, would be a welcome addition back this week against a Carolina Panthers (1-6) team that has Andy Dalton at quarterback and receivers that feature Diontae Johnson, Xavier Leggette, Johnathan Mingo, and tight end Ja’Tavion Sanders who is coming off of a six catch 61-yard performance in the Panthers blowout loss to the Washington Commanders.
Despite the Panthers record, they are a team that the Broncos can’t overlook this week and players themselves aren’t overlooking them. While the Broncos sit at 4-3 on the season, they’ve struggled to play well at home, losing two of their first three home games.
The Broncos secondary held up well in Thursday’s win against the Saints with Riley Moss and Levi Wallace starting on the outside at cornerback in Denver’s nickel package, and Ja’Quan McMillian playing an impactful game inside the slot against the run and pass. If Surtain clears the hurdles of the NFL’s concussion protocol in the next two days, he’ll be in line to return for Sunday’s game against the Panthers.
The Denver Broncos will return to practice on Thursday for another phase of Panthers prep.