ENGLEWOOD, Colo. — Cornerback Riley Moss has been cleared to play for the Denver Broncos in their important matchup against the Cincinnati Bengals this Saturday.
Coach Sean Payton confirmed on Thursday, “He’s doing good. He’ll be ready to go.”
The Broncos, holding a record of 9-6, have the opportunity to end an eight-year playoff drought with either a win or a tie. They have missed Moss, a second-year player from Iowa, notably since he sustained a sprained MCL in Week 12 during a game against Las Vegas.
During Moss’s absence, the Broncos’ defense has struggled, allowing an average of 26.3 points per game. When Moss was alongside superstar Patrick Surtain II, they managed to limit their opponents to just 16.8 points per game.
Moss’s return not only enhances the defensive capabilities but also permits defensive coordinator Vance Joseph to revert to a more man-to-man coverage strategy. Payton highlighted Moss’s competitive spirit, stating, “I think he’s got an awfully competitive juice. You definitely felt his absence, not just physically as a player but also his presence.”
Surtain expressed his excitement about Moss’s return during practice, noting, “It’s great to have him back. You talk about a guy who was playing lights-out before the injury, and to see him back out there with confidence and getting his mojo back brings a lot of confidence to the team.”
This season has been pivotal for Moss, with impressive statistics that include 71 tackles, eight pass breakups, and one interception. He played in 14 games last year but faced challenges due to recovering from core muscle surgery, which limited him to special teams in the 2023 season.
Moss was not available for comments on Thursday as he was undergoing treatment during the team’s locker room access period.
He has complemented Surtain exceptionally well, offering a combination of physicality, confidence, and significant production, especially since opposing attackers tended to avoid Surtain’s coverage.
Nik Bonitto, an outside linebacker, remarked on the importance of Moss’s return, saying, “It’s going to be really good having him back on the field. I know the work that he’s been putting in to get back, and just knowing the type of season he’s had, I’m just happy he’ll be able to come back against a tough opponent.”
Moss’s absence has undoubtedly affected the Broncos’ defense. They allowed 32 points against the Cleveland Browns, witnessing former teammate Jerry Jeudy rack up nine receptions for a career-high 235 yards. A crucial moment occurred in Week 15 when an unforced fumble by Jonathan Taylor at the goal line shifted momentum back to the Broncos, allowing them to secure a victory. Furthermore, they struggled against Justin Herbert, who led the Los Angeles Chargers in a comeback win last week, overcoming a double-digit deficit to finish with a 34-27 scoreline.
