The Denver Broncos are heading to the AFC Championship Game, but they'll be doing it without their starting quarterback. Bo Nix, the rookie who helped guide Denver to a thrilling 33-30 overtime win over the Buffalo Bills, suffered an ankle injury late in the game that will require surgery and end his season, head coach Sean Payton confirmed.
The injury occurred on the third-to-last play of the game - a cruel twist for a player who had just helped orchestrate one of the most dramatic wins of the season. Nix is scheduled to undergo surgery next week in Birmingham, Alabama.
With Nix sidelined, the Broncos will now turn to Jarrett Stidham to lead the offense in the AFC title game against either the New England Patriots or the Houston Texans. Sam Ehlinger will serve as Stidham's backup.
“Stiddy’s ready to go,” Payton said, expressing confidence in the veteran backup who has been waiting in the wings all season.
The timing of the announcement was unexpected. Payton had already addressed the media following the win before later revealing the news about Nix's injury. The coach spoke with clear respect for the resilience of his young quarterback.
“The one thing about it is he’s such a strong, faith-based guy,” Payton said. “He knows God’s got a plan for him. … He’s a tough cookie.”
Nix’s toughness has been on full display all season. The rookie stepped into a high-pressure situation in Denver and helped steady a franchise that’s been searching for consistency under center for years. His poise, accuracy, and leadership were key factors in the Broncos’ late-season surge and playoff run.
But the Broncos have been here before - losing key players and finding ways to respond. Payton acknowledged that adversity has been a theme for this team all year, and this latest setback is just another test of their resolve.
“We’ll rise up for the next challenge and go from there,” he said.
Now, the spotlight shifts to Stidham. The 27-year-old has starting experience and a strong grasp of Payton’s system.
He’ll be tasked with keeping the Broncos’ postseason hopes alive on the biggest stage of the season. It’s a massive moment for a player who’s spent most of the year as a backup, but one the Broncos believe he’s ready for.
Losing Nix is a gut punch - there’s no sugarcoating it. But this Denver team has shown it can punch back. And with a trip to the Super Bowl on the line, they’ll need to do exactly that.