Broncos WR Jerry Jeudy, CB Patrick Surtain II left Sunday's game with injuries

After missing seven games last year, Jeudy has been widely expected to have a breakout season with an upgrade at quarterback in Russell Wilson. The breakout year started strong with a 100-yard game to open the season last Monday in a loss to Wilson’s former team, the Seahawks. After only recording one reception today, though, Jeudy landed hard near the sideline and walked off the field showing indications of a shoulder injury.

The Broncos will be hoping that Jeudy’s absence is only short-term. Wilson can continue to rely on Courtland Sutton, but, with KJ Hamler already out dealing with knee and hip ailments and Tim Patrick on injured reserve, Denver can only field the likes of rookie fifth-round pick Montrell Washington, Tyrie Cleveland, and Kendall Hinton. Undrafted rookie receiver Jalen Virgil is also dealing with an injury after making the initial 53-man roster.

Surtain is coming off a strong rookie season that saw him start 15 games and nab four interceptions. In Year 2, Surtain is teaming up with Ronald Darby to lead a fairly top-heavy cornerbacks room. The Broncos, unfortunately, saw Surtain, too, leaving the game today in the middle of the second quarter.

Denver will hope that it doesn’t have to deal with an extended absence from Surtain, either. With Surtain out and former-starter Michael Ojemudia on injured reserve, the Broncos have to utilize K’Waun Williams, rookie fourth-round pick Damarri Mathis, and reserves Darius Phillips and Essang Bassey. Williams served as a spot-starter during his recent tenure in San Francisco, but the other three corners lack significant starting experience in the NFL.

The Broncos can’t afford hits of this magnitude as they attempt to keep up with the Raiders, Chargers, and Chiefs in the AFC West. They will hope to get Jeudy and Surtain back in time to face the 49ers next week for Sunday Night Football.