Patrick Surtain II: unlikely to play Sunday against Cardinals

THE FACT. Surtain is unlikely to play against Arizona on Sunday, NFL Network's Ian Rapoport reported, per NBC Sports, and a USA TODAY item on Yahoo Sports said the cornerback has a good chance to suit up in Week 8 instead. The Broncos' own Week 7 injury report had him as a limited practice participant on consecutive days with an ankle injury, back at practice after missing Weeks 5 and 6 following an injury in Week 4.

THE VERDICT. Redraft: the direct effect is on the other side of the ball. Arizona's pass catchers draw a materially softer coverage assignment with Denver's best cornerback out, so bump their projections up a tier. DFS: Cardinals receivers are the play to attack here, and the Broncos defense loses some of its ceiling as a team unit. IDP: Surtain is a sit, and anyone rostering Denver's secondary should expect more volume thrown toward whoever replaces him — that can mean tackle upside for the Broncos' remaining corners and safeties. Dynasty: no change, this reads short-term.