Broncos cornerback Pat Surtain II has cleared concussion protocol and will play in Sunday’s home matchup against the Carolina Panthers.
Surtain was a full participant at practice this week after being sidelined due to a head injury, which he suffered in the first quarter of Week 6’s loss to the Los Angeles Chargers.
Sitting at his locker on Friday, Surtain said this was the first time since high school that he suffered a concussion. Surtain added that he was in shock the moment the injury occurred, and felt slight pressure in his head. Once it was determined that he had a concussion, he did what was needed to get through the protocol process.
“I obviously had some slight symptoms, but I was pretty optimistic about playing this week,” he said.
Surtain’s absence in Denver’s 33-10 over the Saints marked his first time not playing since the end of his rookie season. He had played in 40 straight games before that. With Surtain watching the game at home, veteran Levi Wallace played at outside cornerback opposite Riley Moss while Ja’Quan McMillian manned the nickel spot.
The 24-year-old cornerback mentioned that if the game against New Orleans took place on Sunday instead of Thursday night, he still would’ve been ruled out.
“I think it would’ve been too close to call,” Surtain said. “I was still going through protocol (and) had to pass a few more tests.”
Even though Surtain has returned, the Broncos will most likely be without starting safety P.J. Locke, who was ruled doubtful to play after missing the last two days with a thumb injury.
With Locke expected to be sidelined, Devon Key will be in line to start alongside Brandon Jones. Key had a handful of first-team reps during training camp when Jones was out with a hamstring injury.
“(Key is) a very savvy player (and) understands the game,” Surtain said. “We all (have) trust in Key because he puts it out there every week. We’re very excited for him.”
In other injury news, second-year offensive tackle Alex Palczewski (ankle) is questionable to play after being limited throughout the week. Meanwhile, the Panthers will be without top wide receivers Diontae Johnson (ribs) and Adam Thielen (hamstring). Former Broncos inside linebacker Josey Jewell (hamstring/groin) is questionable to play.
Panthers second-year quarterback Bryce Young will likely start since Andy Dalton was ruled doubtful after spraining his thumb in a car accident.
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