DENVER — About an hour after the Denver Broncos walked off the field celebrating one of the most emotional playoff wins in franchise history, head coach Sean Payton delivered the sobering news many had begun to fear.
Quarterback Bo Nix suffered a fractured right ankle late in overtime, just three plays before Wil Lutz’s 23-yard field goal sealed a 33–30 victory over the Buffalo Bills at Empower Field at Mile High.
“This is not good news,” Payton said, confirming Nix will undergo surgery Tuesday in Birmingham, Alabama. The injury will sideline the second-year quarterback for the remainder of the Broncos’ postseason, leaving Jarrett Stidham to take over as the starter.
The injury occurred on a first-and-10 play from the Buffalo 36-yard line with 6:04 remaining in overtime, when Nix was tackled for a two-yard loss on a designed run. He popped up quickly and returned to the huddle, though he appeared to be limping slightly.
On the next snap, Nix threw a deep pass intended for Marvin Mims Jr. that fell incomplete, but a pass interference penalty on Bills cornerback Tre’Davious White moved the ball to the 8-yard line. On the following play, Nix took the snap and kneeled to stop the clock — and that’s when his right ankle twisted awkwardly. He grimaced and limped off the field toward the sideline.
X-rays taken after the game confirmed the fracture. By the time Payton addressed the media, many players had already left the locker room.
“In essence, I’m telling them now,” Payton said.
Nix finished the game 26-of-46 for 279 yards, three touchdowns and one interception. The win marked the sixth time this season he led a game-winning drive in the fourth quarter or overtime. Payton praised Nix’s toughness and perspective despite the setback.
“He’s a tough cookie,” Payton said. “I told him he’s the second quarterback in his second year to take his team to the conference championship game — the first being Patrick Mahomes. We’ll rise up for the next challenge.”
Payton said Nix revealed the injury was the third fractured ankle of his football career, following similar injuries in high school and during his time at Auburn.
“He’s such a strong, faith-based guy,” Payton said. “He was sitting in the hallway with his family.”
With Nix out, Stidham steps in. Signed by Denver in 2023 during Payton’s first season as head coach, Stidham has seen limited action this year, appearing in just one game for four snaps. His most significant playing time came late last season, when he started the final two games after Russell Wilson was benched, throwing two touchdowns and one interception, including a Week 17 win over the Chargers.
Sam Ehlinger, who spent most of the season on the practice squad before being added to the roster last week, will serve as the backup.
“Stiddy is ready,” Payton said. “He’s capable of starting for a number of teams. Watch out.”
Payton acknowledged the emotional toll the injury will take on the locker room but expressed confidence in how the team will respond.
“There will be disappointment and a lot of emotion,” he said. “Then the refocus happens. We celebrate the season Bo had, and we move forward. It’s a tight room. Here we go.”
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