Broncos QB Bo Nix Suffers Ankle Fracture, Ruled Out for Playoffs

 

DENVER  What began as one of the most emotional and dramatic playoff victories in Denver Broncos history quickly turned bittersweet.

Roughly an hour after the Broncos secured a thrilling 33 30 overtime win against the Buffalo Bills at Empower Field at Mile High, head coach Sean Payton confirmed the news many feared: quarterback Bo Nix has fractured a bone in his right ankle and will miss the remainder of the playoffs.

Payton opened his postgame remarks with what he called “not good news,” revealing that Nix suffered the injury just three plays before kicker Wil Lutz nailed the game-winning 23-yard field goal in overtime. According to Payton, Nix will undergo surgery on Tuesday in Birmingham, Alabama, officially ending his postseason run.

Injury Occurred Late in Overtime

The injury happened on a first-and-10 play from the Buffalo 36-yard line with 6:04 remaining in overtime, when Nix was tackled for a two-yard loss on a designed quarterback run. Though he quickly returned to the huddle, teammates noticed a slight limp.

On the next snap, Nix threw a deep pass intended for Marvin Mims Jr. The play resulted in a pass interference penalty on Bills cornerback Tre’Davious White, moving the ball to the Buffalo 8-yard line.

Moments later, on a kneel-down play, Nix’s right ankle twisted awkwardly, and he was clearly in pain as he limped toward the sideline. X-rays taken after the game confirmed the fracture.

“Most of the players had already left the locker room by the time we got the results,” Payton said. “So in a sense, I’m telling them now.”

Bo Nix’s Gritty Performance

Despite the injury, Nix delivered a strong performance in what now stands as the final game of his postseason run. He finished 26-of-46 passing for 279 yards, throwing three touchdowns and one interception.

The win marked the sixth time this season that Nix led a game-winning drive in the fourth quarter or overtime  a testament to his composure and leadership.

“[Nix] is a tough cookie,” Payton said. “He’s such a strong, faith-based guy.”

Payton also revealed that this was the third fractured ankle of Nix’s football career, with previous injuries occurring during his high school days and later while playing at Auburn.

Jarrett Stidham to Take Over at Quarterback

With Nix sidelined, Jarrett Stidham will step in as the Broncos’ starting quarterback for the remainder of the postseason. Stidham, who joined the team as a free agent in 2023 during Payton’s first season, has seen limited action this year but brings valuable experience.

“Stiddy is ready to go,” Payton said confidently. “He’s capable of starting for a number of teams. Watch out just watch.”

Stidham has appeared in one game this season and previously led the Broncos to a 16–9 win over the Los Angeles Chargers late last year. He has thrown two touchdowns and one interception in his limited appearances.

Sam Ehlinger, recently promoted from the practice squad, will serve as the backup quarterback.

Team Ready to Refocus

While emotions remain high following Nix’s injury, Payton emphasized that the locker room will quickly refocus.

There will be disappointment and a lot of emotions,” Payton said. “But then the refocus takes place. We celebrate the season he had, and now we rise up for the next challenge.”

Nix was seen sitting with his family outside the locker room after receiving the news, showing the same calm resilience that defined his season.