ENGLEWOOD — Broncos inside linebacker Cody Barton is still thinking about a dropped interception despite being named AFC Defensive Player of the Week.

Barton was honored following his Week 7 performance Thursday night against the Saints in a 33-10 road victory. He logged eight tackles, one sack, one pass breakup, one forced fumble and a 52-yard fumble recovery for a touchdown.

“It was an honor getting that award,” Barton said on Wednesday after practice at Broncos Park. “It makes you feel good. But it also makes me happy for my teammates as well. I know there were a lot of plays that I couldn’t have made, like the touchdown at the end. … Something I love about this defense is (that) everyone eats.

“You don’t know whose day it’s going to be. But in this defense, everyone makes plays.”

One play Barton didn’t make was an interception on his defended pass.

On the Saints opening series, Barton tracked wide receiver Mason Tipton deep in coverage and nearly picked off an underthrown pass from quarterback Spencer Rattler. But the football went through Barton’s hands and to the turf in New Orleans.

“The dropped interception. I mean, my wife gave me crap for it. My dad called me. Everyone called me talking about it. Even today,” Barton said. “I made sure to catch some extra balls after practice. Zach (Wilson) was throwing me some balls. … I’ll catch the next one.”

Surtain returns to practice

Injured cornerback Pat Surtain was listed as a full participant on the Wednesday practice report. However, coach Sean Payton said that Surtain remains in NFL concussion protocol.

“It looks positive,” Payton said.

Cornerback Levi Wallace started in place of Surtain last week in a road win over New Orleans. The Broncos (4-3) host the Panthers (1-6) on Sunday at Empower Field.

Sutton reacts to zero targets

The Broncos dominated the Saints without any production from No. 1 wide receiver Courtland Sutton.

He recorded zero catches with no targets on Thursday. Rookie quarterback Bo Nix still went 16 for 26 passing for 164 yards with zero touchdowns. The Broncos running game totaled 225 yards in a balanced offensive performance.

Sutton took no issue with his lack of production in a win.

“If I go out there and have a 10-catch, 200-yard game, and we lose, who really cares at the end of the day?” Sutton said. “Selfishly, it’s a cool stat number to put out there or whatever, but ultimately … we’re trying to get to the playoffs and have a chance to play for the Super Bowl.”

Briefly

DT Malcolm Roach missed practice Wednesday with an illness and fever, Payton said. Three players were limited: S P.J. Locke (thumb), OT Mike McGlinchey (knee) and OT Alex Palczewski (ankle). … Panthers second-year quarterback Bryce Young will return as starter against the Broncos after being benched earlier this season. Carolina briefly went to Andy Dalton before he was injured this week in a car accident. … Two former NFL players with Broncos ties — DE Neil Smith (1998-99) and DE Simeon Rice (2007) — were named among 50 modern-era players who advanced Wednesday in voting for the Pro Football Hall of Fame’s Class of 2025.