The Denver Broncos are riding a strong 6-2 start to this NFL season, but one of their biggest stars could be sidelined longer than fans hoped. Cornerback Patrick Surtain II suffered a pectoral strain during Week 8's win, and his short-term future has sparked plenty of speculation.

Head coach Sean Payton’s update on Wednesday didn’t exactly clear the air. When pressed on Surtain’s status, the third-year coach avoided confirming whether the All-Pro corner would land on Injured Reserve. Payton’s measured response kept attention locked on how the Broncos defense plans to adapt without its best player.

DNVR Sports's Zac Stevens posted the moment to X (formerly known as Twitter), showing Payton carefully sidestepping the IR question after the team’s walkthrough.

“We’ve had all of those

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