Broncos CB Damarri Mathis carted off field in preseason finale

Story update : Damarri Mathis had X-rays come back negative on his right ankle, according to KUSA-TV’s Mike Klis . Mathis will undergo more testing tomorrow, but the initial news is positive.

Denver Broncos cornerback Damarri Mathis suffered an ankle injury in the first quarter of Sunday’s preseason finale against the Arizona Cardinals.

Mathis was treated by staff on the field and then carted off the field. The team initially announced that Mathis was questionable to return before later ruling him out.

Mathis was replaced on defense by cornerback Kris Abrams-Draine. Mathis and Levi Wallace started Sunday’s game (Pat Surtain and Riley Moss sat out the preseason finale).

Mathis, 25, was picked by the Broncos in the fourth round of the 2022 NFL draft out of Pitt. He has totaled 100 tackles and eight pass breakups in 33 games (17 starts) over the last two seasons.

Depending on the severity of the injury, beginning the season on injured reserve might be an option for Mathis. Denver can designate two players to return from injured reserve when the 53-man roster is set on Tuesday. Broncos players who begin the season on IR can return after four weeks.

Following an Audric Estime touchdown run , Denver leads Arizona 7-0 midway through the first quarter at Empower Field at Mile High.