The Denver Broncos come into their Week 5 matchup against the Los Angeles Chargers battered and bruised after losing three key players in cornerbacks Pat Surtain and Riley Moss, as well as wide receiver Pat Bryant, in their Week 4 loss against the San Francisco 49ers.
Thankfully, it was revealed earlier this week that all three players’ injuries would cause them to miss time, but they are not season-ending. Surtain and Bryant specifically were thought to have the most severe injuries, as Surtain was carried off the field with assistance from trainers, while Bryant was carted off in the second half of the game.
Denver coach Sean Payton was asked if Surtain or Bryant could be candidates for injured reserve after Wednesday’s practice.
“That’s jumping way ahead,” Payton said. “I don’t think so, and if they were, I wouldn’t say so, but I don’t think so.”
If placed on IR, players have to miss at least four games.
While the Broncos anxiously await the return of Bryant, Surtain and Moss, they turn their attention to their AFC West foes in what feels like a crucial matchup early in the season, and on the tail end of a very difficult six-game stretch where Denver has faced four top teams already in their schedule.
In the meantime, the Broncos look to second-year cornerback Jahdae Barron and wide receivers across the board, such as Troy Franklin and Marvin Mims, to contribute as the next men up.
Let’s hope Denver can get through this stretch in healthy condition, and with a win or two.
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This article originally appeared on Broncos Wire: Sean Payton doesn’t expect 3 key Broncos to land on injured reserve