Sean Payton says it’s ‘important’ to get Courtland Sutton involved against Chargers

Broncos head coach Sean Payton emphasized the importance of getting Courtland Sutton involved against the Chargers after he had just one catch last week

BY TRENT FINNEGAN

Sep 19, 2025, 2:48 PM

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Courtland Sutton is the No. 1 receiver in the Broncos offense. The 29-year-old wideout, who just got a nice payday from the Broncos, established himself as the top receiver in the room back in 2019 and has kept that designation ever since.

The veteran got off to a great start this year with six catches, 61 yards and a touchdown against the Tennessee Titans. In a game where quarterback Bo Nix was struggling, Sutton made himself available and even climbed the ladder on a the touchdown to make life easier for Nix.

Sutton went 🆙 for this TD pic.twitter.com/L5J7xeX7zI

— NFL (@NFL) September 7, 2025

However, in the Week 2 loss against the Indianapolis Colts, Sutton was practically invisible. He was targeted just four times — his lowest total since Week 7 against New Orleans last season — and had one reception for six yards. While Troy Franklin had a monster day to help keep the production of the receiver room up, it was a weird afternoon for the leader in the room.

Sutton has only gotten four or fewer targets in 17 games since he returned from his ACL injury at the start of the 2021 season. He’s played 67 games.

Heading into Week 3, Broncos head coach Sean Payton knows that getting Sutton more involved is essential to coming away with a victory on the road against one of the hottest teams in the NFL. He was asked about getting Sutton involved after Broncos practice on Friday.

“I think it’s important. I think it’s important [on] third down. I think it’s important in the red zone, and then throughout the game plan, yeah, there’s, there’s a number of things,” Payton said.

With Evan Engram’s lack in production through two games — coupled with the fact that a back injury has sidelined him all week — the Broncos and Payton need Sutton’s big body to make contested catches and help push the ball down the field. Marvin Mims Jr. and Troy Franklin have been solid this year, but Sutton brings a skillset and a level of experience to the table that those two don’t possess.

Sutton said earlier in the week that he’s looking forward to the first divisional clash of the season against Los Angeles.

“I understand the significance of the AFC West. I feel like we play some of the best football in the NFL in this division. It’s always fun to be able to go out and compete against the quality of talent that we have in this division. We have an opportunity to be able to make a statement on Sunday, and it is on us to be able to take advantage of the opportunity… It’s going to be an exciting game on Sunday, and I’m looking forward to the opportunity to go out there and compete in a divisional game and lay it on the line,” he said after Wednesday’s practice.

In his career, Sutton has gone up against the Chargers 11 times. He’s never eclipsed the 100-yard mark, and has 33 catches for 558 yards and six touchdowns. While he has never posted his best statistical game against them, he’s had three of the best catches of his career against the division foe.

Courtland Sutton comes down with a WILD touchdown catch 👀

📺: #LACvsDEN on CBS/Paramount+
📱: https://t.co/waVpO909ge pic.twitter.com/zPOmhitQ43

— NFL (@NFL) October 13, 2024

COURTLAND SUTTON HAS DONE IT AGAIN

📺: #DENvsLAC on CBS
📱: Stream on #NFLPlus https://t.co/pWMED8SAQa pic.twitter.com/fMKhOaryFA

— NFL (@NFL) December 10, 2023

ONE-HANDED. FULL EXTENSION.@SuttonCourtland hauls in @DrewLock23's first career TD pass! #LACvsDEN

📺: CBS
📱: NFL app // Yahoo Sports app
Watch free on mobile: https://t.co/uPnyeJSIAR pic.twitter.com/4o7hA0U4P8

— NFL (@NFL) December 1, 2019

It’s safe to say he’s comfortable against his rival.

Getting him involved early and often on Sunday is key for a Broncos victory. Payton knows it, but the burden is on him to go out and scheme some plays for his veteran.