ENGLEWOOD – Injured Broncos cornerback Pat Surtain II watched last week’s resounding victory at New Orleans on television in Denver but, at times, felt as if he were at the Superdome.

The Broncos star sat out the 33-10 win over the Saints on Oct. 17 with a concussion he suffered Oct. 13 against the Los Angeles Chargers. But he was back at practice this week and will return Sunday against Carolina at Empower Field at Mile High.

“It was tough, but it was also pretty inspiring to see those guys get after it on the TV screen,’’ Surtain said after Friday’s practice at Broncos Park about missing one game. “It seemed like I was out there. I was yelling at the TV screaming, shouting. I’m very passionate about this team and I could just feel the energy throughout the TV screen.”

Now, Surtain is “very excited” to be returning against the Panthers.

It was the only the second game Surtain has missed in his four-year NFL career and first since his rookie season of 2021. On Denver’s first defensive play of the 23-16 loss to the Chargers, his head slammed against the turf while he covered a pass. He was lost for the rest of the game.

“I was in a little bit of a shock mode,’’ Surtain said. “I didn’t know what to expect. … I felt like a slight discomfort in my head, some pressure in my head. Obviously, I got evaluated in the (medical) tent and then they ruled it a concussion. … I wasn’t very aware of what was going on, just a situation that had transpired. I didn’t know what to think of it, but I was pretty sure it was concussion as soon as I hit my head.”

The Broncos faced the Saints on Thursday Night Football. Surtain said he had only “slight symptoms” after his concussion but didn’t believe he would have been able to play had Denver’s Week 6 been on Sunday.

“Probably not,’’ he said. “I think it would have been too close to call. Obviously, I was still going through the (concussion) protocol. I had to pass a few more tests.”

Surtain said he was always “pretty optimistic” about being able to return against the Panthers.

“In my opinion, he’s the best cornerback I the league, so it’s always great to have him back and playing,’’ Denver defensive lineman Jordan Jackson said.

Riley Moss, the Broncos’ other starting cornerback, is hoping for a repeat of their 34-18 win over Las Vegas on Oct. 6. In that game, Surtain had two interceptions, returning one 100 yards and a touchdown, and Moss had one.

“It’s nice having him back and hopefully (the Panthers will) throw us a couple this week,’’ Moss said. “So party in the end zone hopefully.”

Entering Sunday’s game, Surtain doesn’t expect to have any remaining effects from his concussion.

“I’ve been keeping up with conditioning and being in shape,’’ he said. “(I was) making sure I’m back to my normal self.”