What’s next for Bo Nix and the Broncos after QB breaks ankle?

DENVER — Broncos quarterback Bo Nicks picked up another win on Saturday, helping the Broncos reach the AFC Championship Game with a 33-30 overtime win over the Buffalo Bills. But a broken bone in his right ankle, which he suffered three games before Will Lutz kicked a game-winning field goal, will sideline Denver’s second-year quarterback for the rest of the season.

Knicks’ injury puts the Broncos in flux as the team attempts to win its fourth Super Bowl title. What’s next for Denver and their young quarterback?

Broncos reporter Jeff Legold answered questions about the injury from the team’s perspective, ESPN analytics writer Seth Walder provided his views on the Broncos’ postseason prospects and injury analyst Stefania Bell provided insight into the Knicks’ next steps and potential long-term ramifications as he recovers.

Go to section:
What happened? | Who’s next?
Possible modifications | Broncos reaction
Can Denver still win it? | Nix look

What happened?

Broncos coach Sean Payton said the Knicks had a break on a first-and-10 play from the Bills’ 36-yard line with 6:04 remaining in overtime. The Knicks lost 2 yards on a designed drive when he was pulled to the ground by Buffalo safety Cole Bishop. Nix suffered a slight limp after the play but quickly returned to the huddle.

He threw a long incompletion to wide receiver Marvin Mims Jr. On the next play Bills cornerback Tre’Davious White was flagged for pass interference. Knicks moved down the field to line up with the offense and took the next snap to kneel. While playing on his knees, his right ankle twisted awkwardly and looked like he was giving up. Knicks had a visible limp as he moved to the sideline before Lutz’s game-winning kick. — Legold

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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, immediately after Payton was hired as head coach. Payton often credited Stidham’s experience and attitude as keys to helping develop Nix 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, when he was Derek Carr’s backup.

Stidham, who cites his time working with Tom Brady with the Patriots as pivotal in his development, started two games in 2023 after Payton benched Russell Wilson, throwing for two touchdowns with one interception. Stidham doesn’t have the mobility of Nix but he’s not afraid to push the ball down the field and he showed that in previous game action.

As for the passer behind Stidham, the Broncos’ efforts to keep Sam Ehlinger were successful. Ehlinger declined an offer to sign with the Indianapolis Colts and join their active roster earlier this season to remain on the Broncos’ practice squad. — Legold

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What can Denver do to help Stidham?

After three seasons with the Broncos, Payton believes Stidham is comfortable enough with the playbook to retain a full range of options in the game plan. Since Nix has been a part of the Broncos’ run game, Payton may have to rethink how the quarterback fits into the rushing attack. The Broncos’ linebacker only had 10 carries while the Knicks 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 toughest quarterbacks in the league to sack since entering the NFL in 2024. Saturday’s game was the 12th game this season in which he has been sacked either one or zero times. The Broncos may need some point guard adjustments with Stidham, who has been sacked 13 times in four career starts, including five times in one of his Broncos starts in 2023. — Legold

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What was the immediate reaction from the Broncos?

Payton delivered the news after several Broncos players had already left the locker room, so many players likely found out on their way home. Payton will meet with some players on Sunday, as they come to the team facility for medical treatment, and more on Monday.

Those who heard the news on the court Saturday were immediately disappointed, especially for the Knicks. But the shift to preparing for the AFC Championship Game will force the Broncos to pivot quickly. Nix is ​​scheduled to have surgery on Tuesday in Birmingham, Alabama, and will likely be around his teammates later in the week. — Legold

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Do the Broncos have any chance of beating the Patriots or Texans without the Knicks? Win the Super Bowl?

I remember working on a roundtable like this eight years ago, writing off the Eagles’ chances of winning the Super Bowl with Nick Foles after Carson Wentz’s late-season injury. That was a mistake, in part because the 2017 Eagles had an elite roster that could support a backup quarterback. That’s pretty much what the Broncos have as well. They have arguably the best offensive line in the league and a solid defense that can stop the run and The pass.

I’m very skeptical of Denver’s chances and would be stunned if the confetti fell on the Broncos next weekend, let alone in Super Bowl LX. But they are just two championship wins away in a wide-open season. Because of the depth and talent on their roster, I wouldn’t do that Completely Exclude them. — Valder

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What is the long term impact? How long could the Knicks be out?

While there are no complete details regarding Nix’s ankle fracture, it is difficult to provide details about his exact treatment and recovery. However, Payton’s statement after the game that Nix would undergo surgery indicated that the fracture is unstable and requires implantation of hardware to stabilize it and ensure the bones are in proper alignment. The fact that they were able to report this immediately after the match suggests that the fracture was clearly visible on the X-ray without the need for additional imaging.

Recovery from an ankle fracture repair takes approximately 10 to 12 weeks, but regaining the joint’s full range of motion, strength and dynamic function takes approximately three to four months. Given the timeline before training camp resumes, the Knicks will likely be on track to start the 2026 regular season, assuming there are no complications. — bell