DENVER (AP) — Bo Nix broke his proper ankle late in additional time of the Denver Broncos’ divisional-round victory over Buffalo on Saturday and can have surgical procedure that can sideline him for the remainder of the playoffs.
Coach Sean Payton delivered the stunning news about his second-year quarterback within the aftermath of Denver’s largest win in a decade. Backup Jarrett Stidham, who’s 1-3 as a starter in six seasons, will begin the AFC championship recreation subsequent weekend.
“Stiddy’s prepared,” Payton stated after returning to the postgame lectern to debate the damage following Denver’s 33-30 victory over Josh Allen and the Payments.
Payton stated Nix bought damage on a keeper the place he misplaced 2 yards and was tackled by security Cole Bishop. Nix was limping after the play, however there was no indication that he suffered such a severe damage.
![Denver Broncos quarterback Bo Nix (10) runs the ball against the Buffalo Bills in an NFL divisional playoff football game, Sunday, Jan. 17, 2026 in Denver. (AP Photo/Bart Young) ]](https://img.huffingtonpost.com/asset/696c52c214000079c764c748.jpeg?ops=scalefit_1440&format=webp)
On the following play, Nix threw a deep move to Marvin Mims Jr. that drew a 30-yard pass-interference flag and bought the Broncos nicely into field-goal vary. Nix then took a knee to middle the ball for Wil Lutz’s game-ending 23-yard area objective.
Payton stated Nix can have surgical procedure Tuesday in Birmingham, Alabama.
“He’s such a robust, faith-based man,” Payton stated. “He’s sitting within the hallway along with his household and coming over and we’re all speaking to him. He is aware of that God’s bought a plan for him and he stated he had (a damaged ankle) in highschool after which he stated he had one at Auburn.
“And I stated I didn’t notice that. I stated if I had identified that I wouldn’t have drafted you,” Payton cracked.
Nix stated nothing about being damage during a postgame interview with CBS. The locker room had cleared out and reporters have been ready in an interview room for Nix when Payton returned and delivered the information.
Nix, the twelfth general select of Oregon within the 2024 NFL draft, tied Russell Wilson’s NFL file with two dozen victories in his first two seasons. Saturday’s victory was his first within the playoffs. The Broncos misplaced final 12 months at Buffalo however Nix led Denver to the AFC’s prime seed this season.
“He’s a troublesome cookie,” Payton stated. “And this crew all 12 months has misplaced key gamers and can stand up for the following problem.”
