In a dramatic turn of events, Denver Broncos quarterback Bo Nix sustained a season-ending broken ankle during Saturday’s playoff win against the Buffalo Bills, sidelining him for the AFC Championship Game and thrusting backup Jarrett Stidham into the starting role.
The injury occurred late in overtime of the Broncos’ 33-30 victory at Empower Field at Mile High. With just over six minutes left, Nix was tackled on a designed run and later twisted his ankle awkwardly on a kneel-down play, though he initially tried to play through the pain.
Nix’s performance was pivotal in the win, as he threw for 279 yards and three touchdowns, including a game-tying drive in the fourth quarter. His ability to draw pass interference penalties helped set up the winning field goal in overtime.
After the game, Broncos coach Sean Payton confirmed the fracture, noting that Nix will undergo surgery on Tuesday in Birmingham, Alabama. Payton praised Nix’s toughness and expressed confidence in Stidham, who has limited recent experience but is prepared to step up.
The loss of Nix is a significant blow to the Broncos, who are the AFC’s top seed and now face the Houston Texans or New England Patriots in the conference championship. Nix had been a key factor in Denver’s success, leading six game-winning drives this season.
For the Bills, quarterback Josh Allen was devastated by the defeat, taking responsibility for four turnovers that contributed to the loss. Allen’s emotional postgame comments highlighted the ongoing playoff struggles for Buffalo, which has not reached the Super Bowl since the 1990s.
Stidham, signed in 2023, last saw significant action in 2023 and will need to quickly adapt to the starting role. The Broncos’ offense may shift slightly with Stidham at the helm, but Payton emphasized the team’s readiness for the next challenge.
Looking ahead, the Broncos must regroup without their star quarterback, while Nix focuses on recovery. The injury underscores the physical demands of playoff football and sets the stage for a high-stakes AFC title game with Denver’s championship hopes now resting on Stidham’s shoulders.
