Surtain moves up to a full practice workload on Thanksgiving

ENGLEWOOD, Colo. — Pat Surtain II is all the way back, and for that, the Broncos are thankful on this holiday.

The reigning Defensive Player of the Year had full practice participation Thursday for the first time since suffering a strained pectoral muscle Oct. 26 against the Dallas Cowboys, offering a strong indication that he will be good to go for Sunday night’s game against the Washington Commanders.

Surtain returned to the practice field Wednesday, but saw limited work during that session, the Broncos’ first after returning from their Week 12 bye.

Inside linebacker Alex Singleton also had a full workload for the second-consecutive day as the team went about its paces on a sun-splashed holiday before scattering immediately after the session to spend the rest of the afternoon and evening celebrating the holiday with families, friends — and in many cases, each other.

“Super, super amazing,” defensive coordinator Vance Joseph said of Singleton’s return to the practice field, under three weeks following surgery for testicular cancer.

“Obviously, for him, he’s smiling, he’s in good spirits. It’s good having him back. He’s so smart. He helps him with the game plans each week. But again, amazing story. And he’s so blessed to be healthy and ready to play football again.”

Edge rusher Jonah Elliss saw limited work in his second day back from a hamstring injury. Tight end Nate Adkins was the only Bronco on the 53-player roster who did not take part in Thursday’s work.

JOSEPH PLEASED WITH HOW DEFENSE WORKED WITHOUT SURTAIN

Rookie Jahdae Barron and second-year veteran Kris Abrams-Draine handled the primary burden of replacing Surtain in the lineup, and both acquitted themselves well, with Barron’s role including an expansion of his duties against opposing tight ends.

“I think we’ve made it because we have depth,” Joseph said. “We drafted some young guys in early rounds that were waiting for more opportunities. I thought Jahdae played very well as a starting corner in base. Abrams-Draine played very well as a starting corner in nickel. So, we kind of had those two young guys kind of split Pat’s role, and it worked out for both guys moving forward.

“It’s huge for our team to have those guys play so many meaningful reps, and to get Pat back now we have no worries.

“Depth is what you have to have to win a championship. I think we have that.”

But now Joseph has Surtain back at his disposal.

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