The Broncos’ defense is about to get a major lift, and the timing lines up perfectly for Sunday’s game against the Arizona Cardinals.
Pat Surtain II is back on the practice field after dealing with an ankle injury, and Jonathon Cooper has also returned after being removed from the Commissioner Exempt list, clearing him to play. According to Josh Alper of Pro Football Talk, Surtain was a full participant in the portion of practice open to the media and is expected to be listed that way in Denver’s report to the league.
That matters because the Broncos were already down both starting cornerbacks in last Thursday night’s 17-14 overtime win over the Seattle Seahawks. Surtain’s absence had been felt since he hurt his ankle in Week 4 against the San Francisco 49ers, and getting him back gives Denver a big-time piece on the back end. He was the Defensive Player of the Year two years ago, and the Broncos are reintroducing that kind of player at just the right moment.
Cooper’s situation is different, but his return still strengthens a unit that’s already been a problem for opposing offenses. He was placed on the exempt list after being arrested twice in June following a domestic violence incident, and this will be his first game of the season. He missed the first six games as part of what amounts to a paid suspension, and Denver has a roster exemption in place for him for this one.
The legal situation around Cooper is still unresolved. His original November trial date, where he faces a felony assault charge, has now been moved to March so this move could happen.
Even without Cooper, Denver showed what its pass rush can do against Seattle. The Broncos hit Sam Darnold repeatedly, sacking him five times and registering 17 quarterback hits before late interceptions sealed the win. Adding Cooper into that mix only gives the defense another edge.
And the Broncos may get help on offense soon, too. Rookie running back Jonah Coleman has had his practice window opened after missing four games with an ankle injury. He can be activated at any point over the next 21 days, and he could factor in when Denver, now 4-2, faces Arizona.
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Broncos Backfield Suddenly Has Pressure On One Struggling Problem
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Colemans return would matter because Denver has been looking for any lift it can get from the running game, and Payton has already sounded optimistic about what the rookie can add. The timing is especially notable with the Cardinals up next, since the Broncos may soon have to decide whether to ease Coleman back in or put him right back into the mix after the layoff. [Read more 🡒]