Surtain, Moss and Bryant miss practice as Payton leaves IR decisions open

Patrick Surtain II, Riley Moss and Pat Bryant did not practice Wednesday as Denver began preparing for the Chargers. Sean Payton said he did not think Surtain or Bryant would go on injured reserve, while stopping short of announcing a roster decision. His comments and the first practice report add detail to the injuries from Sunday's loss at San Francisco; they do not clear any of the three for this weekend.

The Broncos' official report lists Surtain and Bryant with ankle injuries and Moss with a rib injury. They were Denver's only nonparticipants. Game statuses are due Friday, after another practice report Thursday. Denver visits Los Angeles on Sunday at 4:05 p.m. Eastern.

Chris Tomasson of The Denver Gazette independently reported Payton's comments and the likely cornerback replacements. Kris Abrams-Draine and Jahdae Barron took over for Surtain and Moss in the second half against the 49ers and could start against the Chargers. Payton praised their readiness and football instincts. The Wednesday report does not announce them as the starting pair.

That distinction matters for roster decisions. Surtain's expected short-term absence and Bryant's reported missed weeks remain outlooks, rather than a return date. Payton's current view on injured reserve is useful additional information, but it does not establish that either player will be available before four games have passed or rule out a later transaction.

Denver's receiver plan is also unfinished. Tomasson reported that the club could elevate Lil'Jordan Humphrey from the practice squad if it needs help in Bryant's absence. Such an elevation had not been announced in the reporting reviewed for this update. Tuesday's signing of Cam Ross to the practice squad adds another receiver to that group without establishing an active-roster job or a share of Bryant's targets.

Dondrea Tillman returned as a limited participant with a hamstring injury after missing the San Francisco game. Adam Trautman was limited with a shoulder injury, Zach Allen was limited for rest, and Tyler Badie participated fully with a foot injury. Those are separate participation statuses from the three absences at the top of the report.

For RSO managers, the immediate questions remain Bryant's game availability and which receivers Denver actually activates. For the matchup, the next report will show whether its cornerback pair can resume work. Denver has provided a first practice checkpoint and a coach's expectation about injured reserve, with the Friday designations and subsequent roster decisions still to come.

Bryant caught three passes for 47 yards before leaving the game. FantasyPros’ account of the injury noted that he caught all three of his targets and led Denver’s receiving options other than running back RJ Harvey. His absence takes away a contributor from an offense still trying to turn promising possessions into touchdowns.

Denver’s official game report described an afternoon decided by missed chances. In the Broncos’ first three trips across midfield, they came away with two field goals. Mike McGlinchey said the offense moved the ball on several drives but struggled to get beyond the edge of scoring range and finish them.

The Broncos reached 2-2 with the loss. Bo Nix said the team had faced difficult opponents and needed to keep improving, with explosive plays among the opportunities still available. Bryant’s injury changes the personnel available for that work; the reports do not establish which receiver will absorb his targets.

On defense, both Surtain and Riley Moss were unavailable during the second half. Moss left with a rib injury, according to NBC Sports. San Francisco eventually put together a 74-yard touchdown drive before George Kittle’s 56-yard catch and run helped end Denver’s late comeback attempt.

Rapoport reported that Surtain’s MRI provided good news and that the anticipated absence was short term. That is an encouraging early assessment for the secondary, but it does not amount to clearance for Denver’s next game.

For fantasy managers, Bryant’s expected missed time creates an immediate availability question. The next practice reports and any roster moves should clarify the replacement plan. Denver’s injury news supports adjusting expectations for Bryant while keeping Surtain’s playing status open until the team announces it.

October 6 update: Denver adds practice-squad receiving depth

The Broncos announced Tuesday that they signed wide receiver Cam Ross to the practice squad and released outside linebacker Jahfari Harvey in a corresponding move. Ross caught five passes for 29 yards in Denver’s preseason games. The transaction adds a receiver to the practice squad; it does not elevate Ross to the active roster or announce a new designation for Bryant. Denver did not name Ross as Bryant’s replacement or assign him a game-day role in the announcement.