The Denver Broncos are moving on to the AFC Championship, but they’re doing it with a battered roster and a massive question mark under center.
Saturday’s 33-30 overtime win over the Buffalo Bills was as gutsy as it was costly. Rookie quarterback Bo Nix, who had been steady and poised beyond his years all season, suffered a season-ending ankle injury that will require surgery on Tuesday.
Just like that, the Broncos’ offense is Jarrett Stidham’s to lead. He’ll be the starter when Denver hosts the New England Patriots next weekend with a Super Bowl berth on the line.
It’s a brutal blow for a team that’s found its identity behind Nix’s efficient decision-making and composure. But the injuries didn’t stop there.
Wide receiver Pat Bryant exited in the first quarter with a concussion - his second in less than a month. While he posted “I’m back spinning 😈” on Instagram afterward, it’s far from a guarantee he’ll be cleared in time for Sunday. Two concussions in such a short span is always a red flag, and the Broncos will be cautious.
Troy Franklin, another young wideout who’s flashed big-play potential this season, left in the second quarter with a hamstring injury. Then, in the fourth quarter, center Alex Forsyth went down with an ankle injury of his own. Suddenly, Denver was down to just three healthy receivers, prompting head coach Sean Payton to make an on-the-fly adjustment and pull Marvin Mims off kick return duties to preserve bodies.
“Both teams were nicked up,” Payton said after the game. “They were nicked up coming in, and we got nicked up quick. Pat is out, and then pretty soon Troy Franklin’s out, and then you’re down to three receivers.”
That’s playoff football - attrition becomes as big a factor as execution. But for the Broncos, the timing couldn’t be worse.
There is some potential help on the horizon. Running back J.K.
Dobbins (foot) and center Luke Wattenberg (shoulder) remain on injured reserve, but both were seen rehabbing on a side field during practices last week. Wednesday’s practice will be pivotal.
If either one is designated to return, it would be a much-needed boost for a team that’s suddenly thin at two key positions.
Wattenberg’s return would be especially timely with Forsyth banged up. And while Dobbins was originally viewed as a longshot to return before the Super Bowl, both Payton and Dobbins have hinted that the AFC Championship could be a realistic target. That would be a game-changer for a Denver offense now leaning on a backup quarterback and a depleted receiving corps.
Of course, before either player can be activated, they’ll need to return to practice. That makes Wednesday’s injury report one of the most important of the season - not just for Denver’s game planning, but for their hopes of keeping this playoff run alive.
The Broncos are one win away from the Super Bowl. But to get there, they’ll need to navigate a week filled with rehab, roster decisions, and the challenge of preparing a new starting quarterback on the fly. The margin for error is razor-thin - and every healthy body counts.