The Broncos are optimistic that key defensive starters Patrick Surtain II and Alex Singleton will be ready for Week 13, giving Denver a major boost as they face the Washington Commanders.
The Broncos are expecting the simultaneous return of two critical players: Patrick Surtain II and Alex Singleton. Surtain, the reigning Defensive Player of the Year, has been sidelined since Week 8 with a strained pectoral muscle.
 Meanwhile, Singleton underwent surgery on November 7 to remove a testicular tumor, after being diagnosed following a random drug test.Â
With the team off in Week 12, that bye week appears to have come at an ideal moment, allowing both players the time to heal and potentially re-enter the rotation in Week 13 against Washington.
Defensive Impact: Why Their Return Matters
With Surtain and Singleton missing, the Broncos’ defense remained strong, allowing roughly 184.7 passing yards per game, in line with their numbers when both were active.
But their return would add elite continuity, leadership, and versatility.
Surtain anchors the cornerback room with top-tier coverage ability, and his absence forced younger players into larger roles. Singleton fills the linebacker core with physicality, sideline-to-sideline range, and voice.
Source: ILB Alex Singleton is expected back on #Broncos practice field tomorrow, just 19 days from surgery to remove cancerous tumor. Even after missing the Chiefs’ game, Singleton still team’s leading tackler with 89. Playing Sunday at Washington is the hope, but TBD.
— MikeKlis9NEWS (@mikeklis9news) November 25, 2025
When both return, the Broncos regain full strength in their front six, which bolsters pass-rush timing, run defense, and third-down coverage.
Additionally, the timing of the return is critical: Denver is chasing the AFC West title and a potential No. 1 seed. Getting key defensive starters back as they enter the stretch is a strategic win.
What to Watch Going Forward for the Broncos
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Activation decision: While the outlook is positive, neither player is fully guaranteed to play Week 13. Coach Sean Payton has remained cautious, declining to publicly commit to their status.
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Role and snap count: Even if active, both may be eased back in. Monitoring their snap counts and usage in key packages (e.g., nickel or dime for Surtain, run-fit-heavy for Singleton) will reveal the team’s confidence level.
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Team chemistry and momentum: The young players who stepped up during their absence, particularly in the secondary, have gained confidence. The challenge will be reintegrating Surtain and Singleton without disrupting momentum.
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Matchup timing: Their likely return comes at a favorable time: the Broncos face the Commanders, then several opponents with mid-to-below-average passing attacks. That gives the defense the chance to ramp back up rather than be tested immediately by the league’s top passing offenses.
Watch Alex Singleton on this play. It’s clear why he’s a team captain and beloved in the locker room. Selfless. pic.twitter.com/xZPXUUiMpd
— Chad Jensen (@ChadNJensen) November 10, 2025
