Bo Nix Heads to IR as Broncos Turn to Stidham for AFC Title Clash
The Denver Broncos are heading into the AFC Championship Game without the quarterback who helped get them there.
Bo Nix, the rookie signal-caller who’s been at the center of Denver’s resurgence this season, has officially been placed on injured reserve, ending his season just days before the biggest game of his young NFL career. The move clears the way for Jarrett Stidham to start under center when the Broncos host the New England Patriots on Sunday.
Nix underwent surgery earlier this week in Alabama. While the team hasn’t provided a definitive timeline for his recovery, the hope is that he’ll be well enough to attend Sunday’s game from the owner’s suite. Whether he makes it there or not, his absence on the field will be felt.
Let’s not understate what Nix meant to this team. In his first NFL season, he threw for 3,931 yards, 25 touchdowns, and 11 interceptions while completing 63.4% of his passes.
More importantly, he brought a sense of calm and command to the offense that helped guide Denver to a 14-3 record and the No. 1 seed in the AFC. That’s not just rookie success - that’s franchise-quarterback material.
With Nix sidelined, Denver is officially turning the keys over to Stidham, who now steps into a high-pressure situation with a trip to the Super Bowl on the line. The good news for him? The offensive line he’ll be playing behind is getting a boost at just the right time.
The Broncos activated center Luke Wattenberg from injured reserve, and he’s set to return to the starting lineup after missing the last four games with a shoulder injury. That move keeps Denver’s starting O-line intact - a crucial factor as they prepare to face a Patriots defense that thrives on disruption.
And while the quarterback position is grabbing the headlines, there’s another offensive wrinkle worth watching. Denver elevated wide receiver Elijah Moore from the practice squad to the gameday roster. That move could become significant if rookie receiver Troy Franklin isn’t able to suit up.
Franklin tweaked his hamstring in last week’s win over the Bills and was limited in practice throughout the week. He’s officially listed as questionable and will likely be a gametime decision. If he can’t go, Moore could be asked to step in and provide a veteran presence in a receiving corps that’s leaned heavily on young talent all season.
The Broncos have been a team full of resilience all year - from a slow start to a dominant finish, they’ve found ways to adapt and thrive. Now, they’ll need to do it once more, this time without the quarterback who helped turn their season around.