Broncos’ Surtain, Jeudy day-to-day after tests

ENGLEWOOD, Colo. — Denver Broncos cornerback Pat Surtain II and wide receiver Jerry Jeudy, both of whom left Sunday’s win over the Houston Texans with injuries are “day-to-day,” coach Nathaniel Hackett said Monday.

Hackett said the Broncos were “excited” by the news, which was determined after both players had additional testing, as the team initially was concerned both players had longer-term injuries. He said that he was not sure of either player’s availability for Sunday night’s game against the San Francisco 49ers but “we’re crossing our fingers” that they will be able to play.

Surtain left Sunday’s game early in the second quarter because of a left shoulder injury and Jeudy exited in the first quarter with an injury to his ribs.

Given Surtain’s importance to the Broncos’ defense, that the injury is not a long-term one has to be considered good news for Denver.

Surtain is seen on the game video shaking his left arm after engaging with Texans wide receiver Nico Collins during a 7-yard run by Texans running back Dameon Pierce. Surtain stayed in the game for two more plays but was then replaced by Broncos rookie cornerback Damarri Mathis.

“A guy like Pat goes down, it’s going to impact things,” said safety Kareem Jackson. “[Mathis] came in and did what we needed him to do.”

Mathis, who finished the game with five tackles in a little over a half of work, would likely play in Surtain’s spot Sunday night against the San Francisco 49ers if Surtain does not play.

“Got to see him step up … thing about Damarri is it’s not too big for him.” Hackett said.

Over the Broncos’ first two games, Surtain has been the cornerback defensive coordinator Ejiro Evero has been most willing to match up on an opponent’s best wide receiver. Surtain shadowed DK Metcalf for much of the season opener and was matched up on the Texans’ Brandin Cooks early on in Sunday’s game.

Jeudy was hurt when he landed awkwardly as he attempted to snare a Russell Wilson pass. The team initially called it a shoulder injury, but after Denver’s 16-9 win, Hackett said the injury was to Jeudy’s ribs.

Jeudy, who had four catches for 102 yards and a touchdown in the season-opening loss to the Seattle Seahawks, had one catch for 11 yards Sunday.