Denver Broncos star cornerback Patrick Surtain II exited Sunday’s game against the visiting Los Angeles Chargers due to a concussion.

Broncos coach Sean Payton said after the 23-16 setback that Surtain is in concussion protocol.

Surtain was injured on Denver’s first defensive snap as his head hit the ground hard after a Los Angeles incomplete pass.

Surtain put both hands to his head after the play and was attended to on the turf. He walked off the field with trainers and was examined in the medical tent before being taken the locker room.

Surtain was ruled out later in the first quarter.

The two-time Pro Bowl selection was the AFC Defensive Player of the Week for his efforts during a 34-18 victory over the Las Vegas Raiders last week. He had two interceptions and returned one 100 yards for a touchdown.

Surtain will have a hard time getting cleared to play for Denver’s next game, which is Thursday at the New Orleans Saints.

Surtain has nine interceptions — returning two for touchdowns — in 56 NFL games.

Meanwhile, Chargers coach Jim Harbaugh briefly left the game due to arrhythmia. He said afterward that his heartbeat returned to normal while being treated in the locker room.

Harbaugh went into the blue medical tent shortly before kickoff. Right after the game began, he departed to the locker room with trainers.

Harbaugh returned to the sideline midway through the first quarter.

Defensive coordinator Jesse Minter was the acting coach while Harbaugh was away.

–Field Level Media