Denver Broncos cornerback Patrick Surtain II is likely to be put on the injured reserve list following a pectoral injury, prompting ESPN to interrupt Monday Night Football with the big breaking injury news.

The Kansas City Chiefs were preparing to play against the Washington Commanders on Monday Night Football, and ESPN was carrying out its usual pregame coverage. NFL legend Jason Kelce, who recently deleted a tweet mocking an NFL player for a severe mistake, joined host Scott Van Pelt when the broadcast was briefly halted.

Surtain, who earned the title of Defensive Player of the Year for 2024, sustained an injury during Sunday’s 44-24 victory over the Dallas Cowboys. On Monday night, it was reported that Surtain might be placed on IR and could be sidelined for four to six weeks. The news followed Cam Skattebo’s injury on an ‘illegal’ hit which prompted outrage.

ESPN momentarily paused its pregame commentary to deliver a breaking news update from NFL insider Adam Schefter. He confirmed that the Broncos are deciding whether to place Surtain on IR. 

Surtain may miss upcoming games against the Houston Texans, the Las Vegas Raiders, the Chiefs, and the Commanders. Surtain has continued to be a crucial player for the Broncos this season, contributing to Denver’s current five-game winning streak.

The Broncos lead the AFC West division with a 6-2 record, two wins ahead of the Chiefs. However, Surtain’s absence could prove costly, although his injury isn’t anticipated to end his season.

Surtain experienced an injury scare during the first half of Sunday’s victory over the Cowboys, after intercepting a pass meant for Dallas wide receiver George Pickens. He clutched his lower leg and was escorted to the blue medical tent, but managed to return to the field.

Later in that same half, Surtain clutched his left arm following a tackle, and was subsequently ruled out for the rest of the game. Despite Surtain’s absence, the Broncos cruised to victory, much to the delight of head coach Sean Payton.

“I think how we played was outstanding when he [Surtain] wasn’t in,” Payton said. “That’s a big deal, especially when a large part of your plan is dealing with rotation and matchups and you’re dealing with 3 (Pickens) and 88 (Lamb),” Payton added.

“Then all of a sudden that one element goes away, it can be a little bit disruptive.”

Kris Abrams-Draine stepped in to replace Surtain, and despite being targeted by the Cowboys, he ended the game with eight tackles, the second-highest of all players on the field.

“I thought Kris did a great job,” Payton continued. “The whole lot of them did when we went without Pat.

“We continued to play a handful of the coverages, and yet [Defensive Coordinator] Vance [Joseph] did a good job adjusting. So that was very encouraging.”

Broncos star defensive end Zach Allen also praised Abrams-Draine’s performance. “We have full faith in Kris,” Allen stated.

“He practices as well as anyone he’s seen, which means a lot for a young guy.”