DENVER, COLORADO - JANUARY 17: Dalton Kincaid #86 of the Buffalo Bills runs with the ball after a reception against Riley Moss #21 of the Denver Broncos during the third quarter in the AFC Divisional Playoff game at Empower Field At Mile High on January 17, 2026 in Denver, Colorado. (Photo by Matthew Stockman/Getty Images)
Denver Broncos head coach Sean Payton gave some positive news on Monday after practice when he shared news about the injury to cornerback Riley Moss.
Moss originally picked up a rib injury during Friday’s preseason loss to the Green Bay Packers, and consequently did not practice on Monday.
However, Payton is not too worried about the injury to his starting corner, after telling reporters that the injury is “nothing serious” on Aug. 24.
In addition to CB Riley Moss, it looked from watching 9NEWS telecast OT Frank Crum got nicked up. Wouldn’t expect either to practice today.
Per sources, Moss’ rib injury is not considered serious.
Crum had an awkward step while engaged in pass protection, stayed in, but missed
“In addition to CB Riley Moss, it looked from watching 9NEWS telecast OT Frank Crum got nicked up. Wouldn’t expect either to practice today. Per sources, Moss’ rib injury is not considered serious. Crum had an awkward step while engaged in pass protection, stayed in, but missed next (and final) 2-play series.” Mike Klis reported.
Later on in the day, around three hours later, the Denver Post’s Parker Gabriel shared some quotes directly from Payton that echoed the same message.
“Positive news from Sean Payton CB Riley Moss, who left Friday’s game with a ribs injury”, Gabriel posted on X after Mondays practice, before quoting Payton’s statement on Moss to the media: “He’s doing fine. It’s nothing serious. We’re being smart.”
What is the Outlook for Riley Moss This Coming Season?
Rib injuries are rarely the most severe of ailments suffered, and they don’t often keep players on the sidelines for substantial periods of time.
Regardless, at this point in the pre-season it is smarter to be safe with starters – especially at notoriously difficult-to-replace positions like cornerback – than to risk losing him for games during the regular season.
Despite Denver having drafted cornerback Jahdae Barron in the first round of the 2025 NFL Draft, both Moss and slot cornerback Ja’Quan McMillian have retained their spots in the starting line up.
There is no specific timeline that has been set by either defensive coordinator Vance Joseph or head coach Payton as to when they are looking Barron to join the first team by.
Although it is likely that given the second year man’s substantial positional flexibility, any injury suffered at outside corner, slot, likely safety and potentially even at linebacker may be filled by the 24-year old.
Moss has not received a contract extension despite impressing over the course of his second season as a full-time starter in 2025. As such, his performance this season will be particularly important for either impending contract negotiations with Denver, or in the very possible scenario that he is allowed to hit free agency and looks for a new home.
For the moment – health wise – it appears that all is good and that Moss should be ready for the start of the season when the Broncos kick off against the Kansas City Chiefs at Arrowhead on Sep. 14, the first Monday Night Football of the season.
Daniel Arwas Daniel Arwas is a sports writer who covers the NFL for Heavy.com. Daniel began his career in sports writing in 2022 and has covered the NFL and college football for Gridiron Heroics and The Hammer. More about Daniel Arwas
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Broncos’ Sean Payton Dons Relieving Update on Riley Moss
Broncos’ Sean Payton Dons Relieving Update on Riley Moss