What’s next for Bo Nix, Broncos after QB’s broken ankle?

Denver– broncos quarterback bo nix Led another comeback win on Saturday, helping send the Broncos to the AFC Championship Game Win 33-30 overtime Above buffalo bill. but a broke his right anklefaced the first three plays Will LutzThe game-winning field goal would sideline Denver’s second-year quarterback for the remainder of the season.

Nicks’ injury has put the Broncos in a tough spot as the franchise tries to win its fourth Super Bowl. What’s next for Denver and its young quarterback?

Broncos reporter Jeff Legvold answered questions about the injury from the team’s perspective, ESPN analytics writer Seth Walder gave his thoughts on the Broncos’ chances this postseason and injury analyst Stefania Bell provided insight into Nix’s next steps and the potential long-term effects on his recovery.

Go to a section:
What happened? | Who’s next?
possible adjustment | broncos reaction
Can Denver still win it? | Knicks’ point of view

What happened?

Broncos coach Sean Payton said Knicks suffered the fracture on a first-and-10 play from the Bills’ 36-yard line with 6:04 left in overtime. Nix lost 2 yards on a designed run when he was pulled to the ground by a Buffalo safety cole bishop. Nix was limping a bit after the game but quickly returned to the crowd.

He threw a long incompletion to the wide receiver Marvin Mims Jr.. In the next game in which the Bills cornerback will play tradavious white The pass was flagged for interference. Knicks went down the field on offense and took the next shot by taking a knee. While playing while kneeling, his right ankle twisted awkwardly and appeared to give out. Knicks appeared limp as he walked to the sideline before Lutz’s game-winning kick. — legwold

Who is next for the Broncos?

jarrett stidham The Broncos have a backup QB. Right after Payton was hired as head coach, he signed with Denver as a free agent in 2023. Payton has often credited Stidham’s experience and demeanor for helping the Knicks’ development in their first two NFL seasons. Stidham was selected in the fourth round. new England Patriots He spent three seasons there before signing with them in 2019 and las vegas raiders In 2022, when he was Derek Carr’s backup.

Stidham, who cites the time he spent working with Tom Brady with the Patriots as important to his development, started two games in 2023 after Payton. benched Russell WilsonThrowing two touchdowns with one interception. Stidham doesn’t have the mobility of the Knicks, but he isn’t afraid to push the ball downfield and has shown it in past game action.

As far as who passes behind Stidham, the Broncos will continue to pursue Sam Ehlinger It has worked. Ehlinger turned down offer to sign with indianapolis colts And be on the Broncos’ practice squad to join their active roster early this season. — legwold

What can Denver do to help Stidham?

After three seasons with the Broncos, Payton believes Stidham is comfortable enough with the playbook to have a full range of options in the game plan. Because Nix was part of the Broncos’ run game, Payton may have to rethink how the quarterback fits into the rushing attack. In Saturday’s win over the Bills, the Broncos running backs had only 10 carries while Knicks had 12. Nix also led the team with 29 rushing yards.

Nix has been one of the league’s toughest quarterbacks since entering the NFL in 2024. Saturday was the 12th game this season in which he was sacked one or zero times. The Broncos may need to make some safety scheme changes with Stidham, who has been sacked 13 times in four career starts, including five in his 2023 starts with the Broncos. — legwold

game

Broncos overcome Bills in OT to reach AFC title game

The Broncos clinched a spot in the AFC Championship Game with a thrilling win over the Bills in overtime.

What is the immediate reaction from the Broncos?

Payton broke the news after many Broncos had already left the locker room, so many players likely found out on their way home. Payton will meet with some players on Sunday as they come to the team facility to receive medical treatment, and more on Monday.

Those who heard the news at the stadium on Saturday were immediately disappointed, especially for the Knicks. But the change will force the Broncos to move quickly in preparation for the AFC Championship Game. Nicks is scheduled to have surgery on Tuesday in Birmingham, Alabama, and then will likely be around his teammates for the weekend. — legwold

Do the Broncos have any chance to beat the Patriots or Texans without Knicks? Winning the Super Bowl?

I remember working on a similar roundtable eight years ago that ended the Eagles’ chances of winning a Super Bowl. Nick Foles after carson wentz Was injured at the end of the season. This was a mistake, partly because the 2017 Eagles team had a typical roster that could support a backup quarterback. The Broncos have pretty much the same. They have arguably the best offensive line in the league and a strong defense that can stop the run And Near.

I’m very skeptical about Denver’s chances and would be stunned if the confetti falls on the Broncos next weekend, much less in Super Bowl LX. But they are just two wins from the championship in a wide-open season. Due to the depth and talent on their roster, I wouldn’t do it. completely Rule them. –Walder

What is the long term effect? How long can the Knicks be out?

In the absence of full details regarding Knicks’ ankle fracture, it is difficult to provide details regarding his exact treatment and recovery. However, Payton said after the game that Knicks would have surgery, indicating that the fracture is unstable and would require the implantation of hardware to stabilize it and ensure the bones are in proper alignment. The fact that they were able to report it immediately after the game indicates that the fracture was clearly visible on X-ray without the need for additional imaging.

Recovery from an ankle fracture repair takes approximately 10 to 12 weeks, but approximately three to four months to restore full joint range of motion, strength, and dynamic function. Given the timeline before training camps resume, the Knicks will likely be on track to begin the 2026 regular season, assuming there are no complications. — bell