Two key Broncos hope to be back for Week 12 at Washington

When the Denver Broncos return from their bye week after Thanksgiving, they may regain the services of two of their defensive captains — each of whom missed last weekend’s big win over the Kansas City Chiefs.

According to ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler, the Broncos are optimistic that both cornerback Patrick Surtain II and linebacker Alex Singleton will return when the team plays the Commanders.

Broncos are optimistic that LB Alex Singleton and CB Patrick Surtain can make it back into the lineup Week 12 (post bye).

Singleton, who on Nov. 7 underwent surgery to have a cancerous tumor removed from one of his testicles, has received encouraging results post-surgery.… pic.twitter.com/gpKQbldSwQ

— Jeremy Fowler (@JFowlerESPN) November 17, 2025

The reigning Defensive Player of the Year, Surtain, hasn’t played in the last three games after suffering a pectoral injury in Denver’s win over Dallas. Somehow, the Broncos have only allowed one non-garbage time touchdown in the time their stud corner has been out, coming when Travis Kelce ran through a Talanoa Hufanga tackle. Ja’Quan McMillian stepped up big time on Sunday, while Riley Moss’ up-and-down play has continued. It’s left more on the plates of Jahdae Barron and Kris Abrams-Draine, each of whom has been solid.

Vance Joseph’s defense hasn’t just had to work around missing PS2 but also their lead linebacker, Singleton. He missed the KC game after undergoing surgery for testicular cancer. The tackling machine may be more talked about for a remarkably quick recovery here soon. He’s needed as the Broncos are a bit shallow at linebacker.

The defense has stayed great even without the two players but it should give Broncos fans even more hope for how the Orange Crush could be reborn again down the stretch.

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