What’s next for Bo Nix, Broncos after QB’s broken ankle?

DENVER — Broncos quarterback Bo Nix orchestrated another comeback victory on Saturday, propelling the Broncos to the AFC Championship Game with a 33-30 overtime triumph over the Buffalo Bills. yet, a fractured right ankle sustained just three plays before Wil Lutz’s game-winning field goal will keep Denver’s second-year quarterback out for the remainder of the season.

Nix’s injury leaves the Broncos in a precarious position as the franchise aims for its fourth Super Bowl title. What lies ahead for Denver and its young quarterback?

Broncos reporter Jeff Legwold addressed the injury from the team’s viewpoint, while ESPN analytics writer Seth Walder shared his thoughts on the Broncos’ postseason outlook, and injury analyst Stephania Bell provided insights into Nix’s recovery and potential long-term effects.

Jump to a section:
What happened? | Who’s next?
Potential adjustments | Broncos reaction
Can Denver still win it? | Nix’s outlook

What happened?

Broncos coach Sean Payton reported that Nix sustained the fracture during a first-and-10 play at the Bills’ 36-yard line with 6:04 remaining in overtime. Nix lost 2 yards on a designed run as he was tackled by Buffalo safety Cole Bishop. though he limped slightly after the play, he quickly returned to the huddle.

On the following play, he threw a deep incompletion to wide receiver Marvin Mims Jr., drawing a pass interference call against Bills cornerback Tre’Davious White. Nix then reset for a kneel-down, but during that play, his right ankle twisted awkwardly and seemed to buckle. He was visibly limping as he moved to the sidelines before Lutz’s game-winning kick. — Legwold

Who is next up for the Broncos?

Jarrett Stidham serves as the Broncos’ backup QB. He joined Denver as a free agent in 2023, right after Payton was appointed head coach. Payton has often praised Stidham’s experience and personality as crucial for aiding Nix’s development in his first two NFL seasons. Stidham, a fourth-round pick by the New England Patriots in 2019, spent three years there before moving to the Las Vegas Raiders in 2022 as Derek Carr’s backup.

Stidham credits his time learning from Tom Brady with the Patriots as essential to his growth. In 2023, after Payton benched Russell Wilson, Stidham started two games, throwing for two touchdowns and one interception. While he may lack Nix’s mobility, he is not hesitant to take deep shots downfield, which he has demonstrated in past game situations.

As for the player behind Stidham, the Broncos’ strategy to retain Sam Ehlinger has been fruitful. Ehlinger declined an offer to join the Indianapolis Colts’ active roster earlier this season, opting to stay on the Broncos’ practice squad. — Legwold

What can Denver do to help Stidham?

After three years with the Broncos, Payton is confident that Stidham is well-versed enough with the playbook to provide a full range of options in the game strategy. Since Nix was integral to the Broncos’ running game, Payton may need to reassess how the quarterback fits into that aspect of the offense. In Saturday’s win over the Bills, Broncos running backs only managed 10 carries, while Nix had 12. Nix also led the team with 29 rushing yards.

also, Nix has been one of the toughest quarterbacks to sack since entering the NFL in 2024. On Saturday, it marked the 12th game this season where he was sacked one time or not at all. The Broncos might require some adjustments to their protection schemes with Stidham, who has been sacked 13 times in four career starts, including five times in one of his starts in 2023 with the Broncos. — Legwold

play

Broncos outlast Bills in OT to reach AFC title game

The Broncos secure a spot in the AFC Championship Game with an exhilarating overtime win against the Bills.

What is the immediate reaction from the Broncos?

Payton announced the news after many Broncos players had already exited the locker room, meaning that several likely discovered it as they left for home. Payton will see some players on Sunday for medical treatment, with more expected on Monday.

Players who heard the news at the stadium on Saturday expressed disappointment, particularly for Nix. yet, the quick turnaround to prepare for the AFC Championship Game will necessitate a rapid adjustment. Nix is set to undergo surgery on Tuesday in Birmingham, Alabama, and will likely be around his teammates later that week. — Legwold

Do the Broncos have any chance of beating the Patriots or Texans without Nix? What about winning the Super Bowl?

Reflecting on a similar situation eight years ago, I remember writing off the Eagles’ Super Bowl chances with Nick Foles after Carson Wentz got hurt late in the season. That proved to be an error, mainly because that 2017 Eagles team had a top-tier roster supporting a backup quarterback. The Broncos appear to be in a similar situation; they boast one of the best offensive lines in the league and a strong defense capable of shutting down both the run and the pass.

While I’m skeptical about Denver’s chances and would be surprised to see them celebrating next weekend, let alone in Super Bowl LX, they are just two wins away from a championship in an open season. owing to the depth and talent on their roster, I won’t completely dismiss their chances. — Walder

What is the long-term impact? How long could Nix be sidelined?

Without complete details regarding Nix’s ankle fracture, it is challenging to specify his exact treatment and recovery timeline. yet, Payton’s comments after the game indicated that Nix will require surgery, suggesting that the fracture is unstable and needs hardware for stabilization and proper alignment. Their ability to report this information right after the game implies that the fracture was clearly visible on X-ray.

Typically, recovery from an ankle fracture repair spans about 10 to 12 weeks, but regaining full joint range of motion, strength, and function can take three to four months. If all goes well, Nix should be on track to start the 2026 regular season, assuming there are no complications. — Bell