DENVER — On Sunday, before the kickoff in Denver, Los Angeles Chargers head coach Jim Harbaugh underwent a medical evaluation in the tent and subsequently made a trip to the locker room due to feeling unwell.

During his absence, defensive coordinator Jesse Minter stepped in to lead the team until Harbaugh rejoined them partway through the first quarter, while the Chargers were ahead 3-0.

Coinciding with Harbaugh’s brief stay in the locker room, Broncos’ star cornerback Pat Surtain II experienced a concussion while attempting to defend against a pass. He was quickly ruled out for the rest of the matchup. Though he initially remained on the field as trainers rushed to assist him, Surtain managed to walk off the field independently, gently placing his hands on his helmet.

Surtain, who has earned Pro Bowl honors twice, was recently named the AFC defensive player of the week. He showcased his skills with two interceptions in the previous week’s game against the Las Vegas Raiders, one of which was a notable 100-yard pick-six that significantly shifted the game’s momentum in favor of the Broncos. This impressive return ranks as the second-longest interception for a touchdown in the history of the team, trailing only Aqib Talib’s 103-yard interception return in 2017.

When he entered the game, Surtain had already accumulated 14 tackles and recorded four pass breakups. He was selected as the ninth overall pick in the 2021 NFL Draft.

As the first quarter progressed, it was also reported that Ladd McConkey was being assessed for a potential head injury. Additionally, Chargers receiver Quentin Johnston became questionable for return due to an ankle injury.