Broncos Get Mixed Pat Surtain II Injury News Ahead of Cardinals Game

The Denver Broncos appear headed for another game without star cornerback Pat Surtain II.

But there is encouraging news about when the two-time All-Pro could return.

Surtain, who has missed Denver's last two games with an ankle injury, is unlikely to play Sunday against the Arizona Cardinals, according to NFL Network's Ian Rapoport.

However, Rapoport reported there is a good chance Surtain will return next week when the Broncos face the Kansas City Chiefs in an important AFC West matchup.

The update comes after Surtain returned to practice Wednesday for the first time since suffering a non-contact ankle injury during Denver's 24-14 loss to the San Francisco 49ers on Oct. 4.

Surtain was a limited participant in all three practices this week, and the Broncos listed him as questionable on Friday's final injury report.

He has not yet been officially ruled out against Arizona.

The injury initially raised significant concerns because Surtain went down without contact late in the first half against San Francisco.

However, the Broncos subsequently received encouraging news about the injury, with NFL Network's Tom Pelissero reporting that Surtain's Achilles tendon was intact.

Surtain missed Denver's 23-17 victory over the Los Angeles Chargers on Oct. 11 and its 17-14 overtime win against the Seattle Seahawks on Oct. 15.

The Broncos have relied on their depth in the secondary during his absence.

Denver previously elevated two cornerbacks from its practice squad after injuries sidelined Surtain and fellow starter Riley Moss.

Moss, who suffered a rib injury against San Francisco, returned against Seattle and played 20 defensive snaps.

He practiced fully throughout this week and carries no injury designation for Sunday's game, giving Denver an important boost even if Surtain remains sidelined.

Jahdae Barron and Kris Abrams-Draine have also taken on larger responsibilities in the secondary, while Ja'Quan McMillian has continued handling the slot cornerback position.

Denver's defensive depth remains under pressure elsewhere.

Safety Talanoa Hufanga has been ruled out against Arizona because of an ankle injury, continuing the secondary's recent injury problems.

The Broncos enter Sunday's matchup at 4-2 after consecutive victories, while the Cardinals are 2-4.

Although Surtain is unlikely to face Arizona, the possibility of his return against Kansas City would be a significant boost ahead of a key AFC West matchup.