The 9-2 Denver Broncos are about to get an added boost to their already loaded defense.
Reigning Defensive Player of the Year Patrick Surtain II is making his return to the lineup after missing the last month with a pectoral strain.
"Broncos CB Patrick Surtain II has no injury designation for Sunday night’s game against Washington and is good to go," wrote ESPN insider Adam Schefter in a post on X.
Pat Surtain expected to return vs. Commanders
Surtain, arguably the best cornerback in the NFL, had missed Denver's last three games due to a pec injury.
He obviously didn't go on injured reserve; otherwise, he would've been forced by rule to miss at least four games.
Denver's defense has been one of the best units in football this season, both with Surtain and without him.
The former Alabama standout has yet to record an interception this year, but has broken up nine passes.
Surtain's lack of interceptions is less about him not pulling them in, and more about opposing quarterbacks refusing to throw it to his side of the field.
They currently rank fourth-best in terms of EPA/play and tied for third with the Cleveland Browns as the best passing defense.
Surtain won Defensive Player of the Year in 2024, becoming the first defensive back to win the award since New England Patriots cornerback Stephon Gilmore won it in 2019.
Denver will certainly be excited to get their No. 1 corner back in advance of their late-season push for the AFC's No. 1 seed.
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