With a 4-2 record, the Denver Broncos have been holding strong so far this season. This is the case despite an underwhelming offense led by Bo Nix. As Denver and its signature defense head on the road to face the Arizona Cardinals on Sunday afternoon, it will have to continue holding firm without arguably its best player.

I'm talking, of course, about All-Pro cornerback Patrick Surtain II, who is officially inactive and will not play against the Cardinals. He is still recovering from an ankle injury that forced him to miss the second half of the Broncos' loss to the San Francisco 49ers in early October. The Broncos apparently don't believe that Surtain's injury is serious or anything that will hold him out long-term. Phew, that's really good news with all things considered.

Holding Surtain out for three straight games at this stage of the season appears to be more about being proactive for the long haul rather than anything else:

As noted by Ian Rapoport above, the Broncos' plan with Surtain seems to be about getting him ready for a big AFC West divisional matchup at home against the Kansas City Chiefs in Week 8 (which is next Sunday). Such a big game on paper obviously matters more for the Broncos and their contention hopes than a nonconference matchup with a rebuilding team like the Cardinals. It makes sense to ensure Surtain is as healthy as possible for the former.

In other words: Stay calm, Broncos fans. The Broncos' top defender should be back very soon.

Who is Patrick Surtain II's backup on the Broncos?

Jahdae Barron is listed as Surtain's backup on the Broncos' official depth chart. Barron is in his second NFL season after being selected in the first round of the 2025 NFL Draft.