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Broncos HC Sean Payton tells reporters that he doesn’t believe that CB Pat Surtain II or WR Pat Bryant will be placed on the IR

Denver Broncos head coach Sean Payton provided clarity on two key injuries following Sunday’s loss to the San Francisco 49ers, stating that neither cornerback Pat Surtain II nor wide receiver Pat Bryant will be placed on injured reserve. Both players left the game with concerning ankle issues—Surtain II after a non-contact injury and Bryant on a cart—raising fears of season-ending setbacks.

However, Payton confirmed the injuries are short-term, with neither expected to miss the entire season, though they will likely sit out the upcoming matchups against the Los Angeles Chargers and Seattle Seahawks. The Broncos will need to rely on depth at both positions, with Jahdae Barron and Kris Abrams-Draine stepping in for Surtain II and Lil’Jordan Humphrey, Marvin Mims Jr., and Troy Franklin filling in for Bryant.

The team’s passing offense, already struggling, will face a critical test without its star receivers in the near term.

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