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

DENVER — Broncos quarterback Bo Nix led yet another comeback victory Saturday, helping the Broncos into the AFC Championship Game with a 33-30 overtime victory over the Buffalo Bills. But a broken bone in his right ankle, suffered three plays before Wil Lutz’s game-winning field goal, will sideline Denver’s second-year quarterback for the rest of the season.

Nix’s injury puts the Broncos in a state of flux as the franchise tries to win a fourth Super Bowl. What’s next for Denver and its young quarterback?

Broncos reporter Jeff Legwold answered questions about the injury from the team’s perspective, ESPN analytics writer Seth Walder offered his thoughts on the Broncos’ hopes for the postseason and injury analyst Stephanie Bell offered insight on Nix’s next steps and possible long-term effects as he recovers.

Jump to section:
What’s going on? | Who’s next?
Possible changes | The Broncos’ reaction
Can Denver still win it? | The idea of ​​Nix

What’s going on?

Broncos coach Sean Payton said Nix broke a first-and-10 play at the Bills’ 36-yard line with 6:04 left in overtime. Nix lost 2 yards on a designed run when he was pulled down by Buffalo safety Cole Bishop. Nix had a slight limp after the performance but quickly returned to the joint position.

He threw a long incompletion to wide receiver Marvin Mims Jr. on the next play in which Bills linebacker Tre’Davious White was flagged for pass interference. Nix walked down the field to join the charge and took the next kneeling icon. During the play on his knees, his right ankle was badly twisted and seemed to be losing strength. Nix limped as he walked to the sideline before making the game-winning kick to Lutz. — Legwold

Who’s next for the Broncos?

Jarrett Stidham is the backup QB for the Broncos. He signed with Denver as a free agent in 2023, shortly after Payton was hired as head coach. Payton has often credited Stidham’s experience and conditioning as key to helping Nix’s development in his first two NFL seasons. Stidham was a fourth-round pick by the New England Patriots in 2019 and spent three seasons there before signing with the Las Vegas Raiders in 2022, where he was Derek Carr’s backup.

Stidham, who cites time spent working with Tom Brady and the Patriots as key to his development, started two games in 2023 after Payton benched Russell Wilson, throwing two touchdowns in one outing. Stidham doesn’t have the mobility of Nix but he’s not afraid to push the ball down the floor and it showed in the last game.

As for the passer behind Stidham, the Broncos’ effort to keep Sam Ehlinger has worked. Ehlinger turned down an offer to sign with the Indianapolis Colts and join their active roster earlier this season to remain with the Broncos. — Legwold

What can Denver do to help Stidham?

After three seasons with the Broncos, Payton believes Stidham is comfortable enough with the playbook to keep more options in the game plans. Because Nix has been a part of the Broncos’ running game, Payton may have to rethink how the quarterback fits into the rushing attack, however. The Broncos running back had just 10 carries while Nix had 12 in Saturday’s win over the Bills. Nix also led the team with 29 rushing yards.

Nix has also been one of the league’s toughest quarterbacks to sack since entering the NFL in 2024. Saturday was the 12th game this season in which he had one or zero sacks. The Broncos may need changes to the defensive scheme with Stidham, who has been sacked 13 times in four career starts, including five times in one of his 2023 starts with the Broncos. — Legwold

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The Broncos shut out the Bills in OT to reach the AFC title game

The Broncos booked their spot in the AFC Championship Game with a thrilling overtime win over the Bills.

What is the immediate reaction from the Broncos?

Payton broke the news after most of the Broncos had already left the locker room, so more players likely found out as they returned home. Payton will see some players on Sunday, as they will come to the team’s facility for treatment, and more on Monday.

Those who heard the news at the stadium on Saturday were immediately disappointed, especially for Nix. But the change in preparation for the AFC Championship Game will force the Broncos to turn around quickly. Nix is ​​scheduled to undergo surgery Tuesday in Birmingham, Alabama, and will likely be around his teammates later in the week. — Legwold

Do the Broncos have a chance to beat the Patriots or Texans without Nix? Winning the Super Bowl?

I remember working at a roundtable like this eight years ago, snuffing out the Eagles’ Super Bowl chances with Nick Foles after Carson Wentz’s season-ending injury. That was a mistake, in part because that 2017 Eagles team had an elite roster that could support a backup quarterback. That’s pretty much what the Broncos have, too. They have arguably the best offensive line in the league and a solid defense that can shut down the run again pass.

I highly doubt Denver’s chances and would be surprised if the confetti falls on the Broncos next weekend, much less Super Bowl LX. But they only won twice in the competition in the open season. Because of the depth and talent on their roster, I can’t completely take them out. — Walder

What is the long-term impact? How long can Nix be out?

In the absence of full details about Nix’s broken ankle, it’s difficult to give specifics about his exact treatment and recovery. However, Payton said postgame that Nix will undergo surgery indicates that the fracture is unstable and requires hardware to stabilize it and ensure the bones fit together properly. The fact that they could report this so soon after the game shows that the fracture was clearly visible on the X-ray without the need for additional imaging.

Healing from an ankle fracture repair is about 10 to 12 weeks, but regaining full joint range of motion, strength and dynamic activity takes about three to four months. Given the timeline before training camp resumes, Nix will likely be on track to start the 2026 regular season, assuming no problems. — An instrument