Broncos face Seahawks without Surtain II and Hufanga
The Denver Broncos will face the Seattle Seahawks on Thursday Night Football in week 6 without starting cornerbacks Patrick Surtain II and Talanoa Hufanga, as DAZN News MX reported on October 15, 2026. Both members of the defensive secondary are sidelined due to ankle injuries, creating a severe depth challenge for Denver coordinator Vance Joseph as the team prepares to defend against NFL receiving yard and touchdown leader Jaxon Smith-Njigba.
Secondary Depleted by Ankle and Rib Injuries in Denver
Patrick Surtain II sustained his ankle injury against San Francisco in week 4 and missed Denver’s subsequent victory over the Chargers. Talanoa Hufanga also suffered an ankle injury during the matchup against Los Angeles. Meanwhile, cornerback Riley Moss remains questionable for Thursday’s game after missing week 5 due to a rib injury. Si Moss no puede jugar, Denver podría verse obligado a prescindir de tres titulares de su secundaria.
Tactical Shuffles Required Against Jaxon Smith-Njigba
Losing Patrick Surtain II removes a defender capable of handling difficult assignments without constant support, forcing Vance Joseph to alter his defensive distribution. Without that reliable isolation coverage, defensive coordinators must choose between offering help to backup cornerbacks, which opens space elsewhere, or maintaining single coverage to preserve pass rush pressure. Talanoa Hufanga’s absence compounds the coordination challenge in intermediate zones and run support. For Seattle, Jaxon Smith-Njigba enters the game with 37 receptions, 583 yards, and seven touchdowns after participating fully in Wednesday’s practice despite a sore ankle.
Seattle offensive coordinator Brian Fleury could deploy quick reads and short or intermediate routes to limit Sam Darnold’s exposure in the pocket. The Seahawks currently convert 29.8 percent of third downs, the second-worst rate in the league, while Denver allows conversions on 45.2 percent of third-down attempts, ranking 26th in the NFL.
Ball Security Decisions for Sam Darnold
Sam Darnold has thrown five interceptions in three games since returning from injury in week 3, while the Seahawks lost seven balls across losses to Washington and San Francisco. DAZN NFL reporter Romain Champagne notes that Seattle must attack Denver’s coverage adjustments rather than simply targeting backups. A defense missing key personnel can still win if the opposing offense grants extra possessions through turnovers.
The #Broncos will be facing the Seahawks without CB Patrick Surtain II, S Talanoa Hufanga, WR Pat Bryant, and RB Jonah Coleman.CB Riley Moss is also questionable to play.
More on Talanoa Hufanga
Pat Surtain II and Talanoa Hufanga OUT vs Seahawks.Riley Moss is questionable to play.Going to be tough going up against JSN pic.twitter.com/oE6cnLjOYx
Broncos officially ruled out CB Pat Surtain II for Thursday night’s game vs. the Seahawks. pic.twitter.com/tqc1q5nGMf
Here's the full injury report for both teams. The Broncos will be missing some key players in their secondary. All Pro CB Patrick Surtain II and S Talanoa Hufanga are out. CB Riley Moss, who starts opposite Surtain, is questionable. pic.twitter.com/z1fGaoiH01