Broncos’ Replacement for Patrick Surtain Solid in First Start of the Season.

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The Denver Broncos faced a major test in Week 9 when star cornerback Patrick Surtain was ruled out through at least the team’s bye week. Many questioned whether Denver’s top-ranked defense could maintain its dominance without its All-Pro leader. In the Broncos’ 18–15 victory over the Houston Texans, however, it appeared the defense hardly missed a step.

Head coach Sean Payton had expressed confidence in Kris Abrams-Draine stepping into the starting role, but expectations remained cautious. Abrams-Draine, in his second season out of Missouri, had seen limited defensive snaps prior to Sunday, mainly serving as an injury replacement. His first major test came against a Houston offense featuring standout receiver Nico Collins and a returning Christian Kirk—yet the young cornerback rose to the occasion. Abrams-Draine’s performance was among the brightest spots for Denver. He held his own in coverage and contributed significantly to the defense’s physical tone. In addition to breaking up key passes, Abrams-Draine was one of the team’s leaders in tackles, an impressive feat for a cornerback in one of the league’s top defensive units.

One of the game’s defining moments came in the second half, when Abrams-Draine delivered a clean but powerful hit on Texans quarterback C.J. Stroud that forced Stroud to exit the game. Though a flag was initially thrown, officials ultimately picked it up, ruling the hit legal. That play proved crucial in halting Houston’s momentum and preserving Denver’s narrow lead.

By game’s end, Abrams-Draine had tallied seven tackles and a tackle for loss, demonstrating both poise and physicality beyond his experience level. For a second-year player making just his second career start, his effort was more than enough to earn another opportunity. With the timeline for Surtain’s return still uncertain, Abrams-Draine is expected to start again in Week 10 against the Las Vegas Raiders. If he continues his strong play, Denver may have uncovered one of the deepest and most versatile cornerback groups in the NFL—a luxury that could keep their defense elite well into the second half of the season.