Bo Nix might have won Saturday’s game, but unfortunately his season is over.
Following the Broncos’ thrilling 33-30 win over the Bills in Saturday night’s AFC divisional round, it was revealed that Nix will be having surgery to repair a broken right ankle and that his season is effectively over, according to NFL insider Ian Rapoport.
According to ESPN, Nix suffered the injury over the course of the game’s final plays.
Nix was seen with a slight limp after being tackled for a 2-yard loss with just over six minutes left in overtime, but was able to stay in the game and threw an incomplete pass — which was later flagged for pass interference — intended for wide receiver Marvin Mims Jr.
On the game’s second-to-final play, Nix’s right ankle twisted awkwardly while kneeling to stop the clock before wincing while getting up and walking gingerly back to the sidelines with his hands on his hips.
According to ESPN’s Adam Schefter, Nix fractured a bone in his right ankle during the play, and is scheduled to have surgery Tuesday in Birmingham, Alabama.
“We felt it was best to tell everyone now,” Broncos head coach Sean Payton said, according to Schefter.
Bo Nix puts on his helmet before the Broncos’ 33-30 overtime win over the Bills in their AFC divisional round battle on Jan. 17, 2026. APPayton also praised the quarterback for his performance and saying that the Broncos will “rise up” for the AFC Championship game.
“[Nix] is a tough cookie,” Payton said postgame, per ESPN. “I said ‘listen I believe you’re the second quarterback in his second year to take his team to the [conference] championship game and the first is [Patrick] Mahomes. … We’ll rise up for the next challenge.’”
Nix finished Saturday’s game with 279 passing yards — while completing 26-of-46 passes — along with three touchdowns and an interception.
Denver Broncos quarterback Bo Nix leaves the field after an NFL divisional round playoff football game against the Buffalo Bills, Saturday, Jan. 17, 2026, in Denver. APWith Nix out for the remainder of the postseason, Denver’s starting quarterback for the AFC Championship game next Sunday will be Jarrett Stidham, with third-string QB Sam Ehlinger expected to be the backup.
Stidham, who has been on the Broncos since 2023, has appeared in just one game this season, playing four snaps during Denver’s Week 8 win over the Cowboys.
“Stiddy is ready to go,” Payton said. “… He’s ready, he’s ready. I feel like I’ve got a two who’s capable of starting for a number of teams and I know he feels the same way. Watch out, just watch.”
