The Denver Broncos are set to compete in the AFC Championship this Sunday for the first time since 2015. However, the team will face this crucial match without their starting quarterback, Bo Nix, who has been ruled out for the remainder of the season after suffering a broken ankle. The injury occurred during the team’s thrilling overtime win over the Buffalo Bills in the divisional round.
Nix, 25, was soon confirmed to be injured on one of the final plays of that game, as announced by head coach Sean Payton. He is expected to undergo season-ending surgery, with a recovery timeline that will see him sidelined for approximately 12 weeks. He will be restricted from placing any weight on his ankle for the first four weeks. If all goes well, he could return to physical activities around the 12-week mark, allowing him to participate in the offseason workouts.
This incident marks the third time Nix has faced an ankle break throughout his football career, although this particular injury is in a different location and is not anticipated to impact him long-term. During his second season in the NFL, Nix performed impressively, throwing for 3,931 yards along with 25 touchdowns and 11 interceptions, contributing significantly to the Broncos’ success and their securing the top seed in the AFC, largely due to a strong defensive performance.
In light of Nix’s injury, backup quarterback Jarrett Stidham will take the helm against the New England Patriots on Sunday. Stidham, who is preparing for his fifth start in the NFL, has a balanced record with eight touchdowns and eight interceptions across 20 games. While the Broncos face a challenging path ahead, the team remains hopeful that they can continue their successful run in the playoffs.