Payton says Surtain, Bryant likely avoid injured reserve after ankle injuries

Broncos coach Sean Payton said he does not expect Patrick Surtain II or Pat Bryant to be placed on injured reserve. Both players injured an ankle in Denver's loss to San Francisco on Sunday.
Denver Broncos coach Sean Payton said he does not expect Patrick Surtain II or Pat Bryant to be placed on injured reserve. Both players hurt an ankle in the Broncos' Sunday loss to the San Francisco 49ers. Because the article material offers few further details, the update is best understood as a roster-availability note within the NFL: Payton's comments suggest the team may avoid losing either player to IR, though no timetable or additional injury information is provided.
The update could matter most to Broncos fans, teammates, and opponents preparing for upcoming games, since the availability of Surtain and Bryant may shape Denver's roster and game plans. If Payton's expectation holds, the team may avoid the longer absence that injured reserve can bring. Broader NFL audiences may see it as another reminder of how quickly injuries can affect a season, though the full impact remains uncertain.