The Denver Broncos hope to have quarterback Bo Nix healthy and ready to play by Week 1 of next season, but an early setback already looms.
Nix broke a bone in his ankle during the fourth quarter of the Broncos’ win over the Buffalo Bills in the AFC Divisional Playoffs. He underwent surgery last week, sharing a message touching on his mental state and drive to return.
On Tuesday, the Broncos provided a detailed update on Nix and their plans around him.
Broncos Deliver Update on Bo Nix
GettyBo Nix #10 of the Denver Broncos looks on after defeating the Washington Commanders.
Broncos head coach Sean Payton and general manager George Paton addressed the media to close out the 2025 season, and both key figures shed light on Nix’s current status and his outlook going forward. Payton spoke first.
He, as is typical, did not get into depth about Nix’s injury or recovery. He remained “fairly optimistic” that the Broncos would not have any injuries linger into 2026 training camp.
However, he noted “news” that Nix has a “predisposed” condition, which his surgeon revealed.
“What was found, though, was a condition that was predisposed,” Payton told reporters on January 27. “They always find a little bit more when they go in. And it wasn’t a matter of if, it was a matter of when [the injury was going to happen].”
Payton said the next steps were “rehab, proper orthotics, all those things.” He also noted that Nix has been healthy during his two years in the NFL. That is in comparison to some of his peers.
Bo Nix ‘Handling’ Rehab Process
GettyBo Nix #10 of the Denver Broncos warms up before facing the Tennessee Titans.
Nix, who was in the Broncos’ facility on Tuesday, will go from a scooter to crutches to a boot, according to his head coach.
“He’s handling it like a pro. Man, I’m sure there’s disappointment for him to have to watch,” Payton said of Nix, noting fellow 2024 first-round QB Drake Maye of the New England Patriots advanced to the Super Bowl. “I think it’s difficult to get as far as he brought us, and then, maybe, to see, also, one of his contemporaries–someone in his draft class, that he would have loved to have competed against–advance. It can be a tough game.”
Notably, Payton clarified that his comments about Nix’s past ankle injuries were just that. He added in jest that he would no longer make attempts at being humorous in those situations.
“The rehab coming off of this will be strong,” Payton said. “He’ll rehab his tail off and get ready, get back to being healthy. And I think, for someone who runs with a ball, I think he’s done a pretty good job of protecting himself. Not all the times. But for the most part, he’s done a pretty good job of sliding and understanding playing for another day.”
Most importantly for the Broncos, Paton said Nix has the it factor, which the executive does not believe can be taught.
George Paton Doubles Down on Bo Nix
GettyBo Nix #10 of the Denver Broncos looks on after defeating the Las Vegas Raiders.
Paton confirmed the previous expectations of a three-to-four-month recovery timeline for Nix, saying the Broncos were told “close to May” for his potential return to action.
That means Nix will miss part of the Broncos’ offseason program, but not training camp.
“I think he’s going to be fine,” Paton told reporters on Tuesday. “He’s going through it. He’s in the building, he’s working every day, and he’ll be back. I’m not sure the exact date, [but] we feel good about that.”
Paton noted his belief that having a QB in place like Nix will again aid the Broncos in landing free agents. He said they plan to remain “prudent,” but aggressive, regardless of other factors.
Broncos Get Significant News About Bo Nix After Ankle Surgery