Broncos Await Word on CB Riley Moss Following Preseason Injury

Broncos' Riley Moss Avoids Serious Injury, Payton Says

Denver Broncos cornerback Riley Moss appears to have avoided a serious injury after leaving Friday's preseason game against the Green Bay Packers with a rib injury, head coach Sean Payton confirmed Monday.

Moss did not practice Monday and was limited to light conditioning work on the side field, according to The Denver Post.

"He's doing fine," Payton said Monday, as reported by The Denver Post. "It's nothing serious. We're being smart. We'll see as the week progresses where he's at."

Moss's injury occurred on the second play of the game, after he had nearly intercepted a pass from Packers quarterback Jordan Love on the first snap. On the next play, cornerback Patrick Surtain II knocked the ball away from receiver Christian Watson, and Moss recovered it but was hit in the side during the tackle, as detailed by multiple outlets.

Moss was taken to the locker room and did not return to the game. Most of Denver's defensive starters did not play after the first drive.

Payton was typically vague when asked about Moss's condition after the game, saying "Good" and "We'll see," as reported by Sports Illustrated and Heavy.

Moss, a 2023 third-round pick, is entering a contract year and has been a key part of Denver's defense, starting all 17 games last season and playing more snaps than any other Bronco over the past two years, according to Heavy.

Other Injury Updates

Offensive tackle Frank Crum also left Friday's game with an injury, but Payton said Monday that he is "doing good," according to The Denver Post. Crum was not seen at practice Monday.

Center Luke Wattenberg and wide receiver Marvin Mims Jr. each participated in team drills for the first time since their respective injuries early in camp, with Wattenberg taking most of the first-team reps, The Denver Post reported.

Contract Context

Moss's injury comes amid speculation about his future with the Broncos. He is in the final year of his rookie deal and could command around $20 million per season in the open market, according to Heavy. The Broncos have a list of starters poised for free agency, and general manager George Paton has a history of using the window between training camp and the regular season for extensions, as noted by Sports Illustrated.

Moss has held off 2025 first-round pick Jahdae Barron for the starting cornerback position, and he previously recorded an interception in the Broncos' preseason opener against the Atlanta Falcons, per Sports Illustrated.