Broncos Secondary Decimated by Injuries Before Prime-Time Clash with Seahawks

Key points

• Patrick Surtain II and Talanoa Hufanga are confirmed out for the game due to ankle injuries.
• Riley Moss is active for the game despite being listed as questionable with a rib injury.
• The Broncos elevated safety Taylor Rapp and defensive back Sean Fresch Jr. from the practice squad.
• Seattle’s Jaxon Smith-Njigba leads the league with 583 receiving yards through five games.
• The game is scheduled for 6:15 p.m. MT on Prime Video at Empower Field.

Background

This injury crisis follows a Week 1 loss to the Kansas City Chiefs, where the Broncos’ defense struggled with missed tackles. The team is currently 3-2, seeking to extend a perfect home record against a Seattle squad that is also 3-2 and looking for redemption after a recent loss to San Francisco.

How outlets are covering it

The Big Lead emphasizes the strategic impact of losing Surtain, noting that defensive coordinator Vance Joseph’s game plans rely on his ability to limit top receivers. CBS Sports provides a broader league context, highlighting that quarterbacks have been the most affected by injuries this season, while also confirming the Broncos’ specific absences. NBC Sports focuses on the immediate roster decisions, confirming Moss’s active status and detailing the elevations of Rapp and Fresch. The Denver Broncos official release provides the statistical background on the elevated players, noting Rapp’s 72-game career experience and Fresch’s special teams contributions.

Why it matters

The absence of Surtain, the former NFL Defensive Player of the Year, significantly weakens Denver’s ability to defend against Seattle’s explosive passing attack. With Smith-Njigba leading the league in receiving yards, the Broncos’ secondary is under immense pressure to contain a high-powered offense without their primary shutdown corner or starting safety.

What to watch

The game is set to begin at 6:15 p.m. MT on Thursday, October 15, 2026. The Broncos will rely on their newly elevated defensive backs and the active status of Riley Moss to mitigate the impact of the injuries. The outcome will likely determine whether Denver can maintain their home winning streak against a Seattle team seeking to bounce back from a recent loss.