Pat Bryant expected to miss several weeks after ankle sprain

Pat Bryant is expected to miss a few weeks after spraining his ankle in Denver’s loss at San Francisco, ESPN’s Adam Schefter reported Monday. The Broncos also received encouraging MRI results on Patrick Surtain II, whose absence after an ankle injury is expected to be short term, according to NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport.

Those reports offer a clearer picture of two injuries from Sunday’s 24-14 defeat. Bryant’s timetable remains an expectation reported by Schefter, rather than a return date announced by the team.

Bryant caught three passes for 47 yards before leaving the game. FantasyPros’ account of the injury noted that he caught all three of his targets and led Denver’s receiving options other than running back RJ Harvey. His absence takes away a contributor from an offense still trying to turn promising possessions into touchdowns.

Denver’s official game report described an afternoon decided by missed chances. In the Broncos’ first three trips across midfield, they came away with two field goals. Mike McGlinchey said the offense moved the ball on several drives but struggled to get beyond the edge of scoring range and finish them.

The Broncos reached 2-2 with the loss. Bo Nix said the team had faced difficult opponents and needed to keep improving, with explosive plays among the opportunities still available. Bryant’s injury changes the personnel available for that work; the reports do not establish which receiver will absorb his targets.

On defense, both Surtain and Riley Moss were unavailable during the second half. Moss left with a rib injury, according to NBC Sports. San Francisco eventually put together a 74-yard touchdown drive before George Kittle’s 56-yard catch and run helped end Denver’s late comeback attempt.

Rapoport reported that Surtain’s MRI provided good news and that the anticipated absence was short term. That is an encouraging early assessment for the secondary, but it does not amount to clearance for Denver’s next game.

For fantasy managers, Bryant’s expected missed time creates an immediate availability question. The next practice reports and any roster moves should clarify the replacement plan. Denver’s injury news supports adjusting expectations for Bryant while keeping Surtain’s playing status open until the team announces it.