DENVER (AP) — Bo Nix broke his proper ankle late in extra 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 gorgeous information 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 mentioned after returning to the postgame lectern to debate the damage following Denver’s 33-30 victory over Josh Allen and the Payments.
Payton mentioned Nix acquired 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 critical 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 go to Marvin Mims Jr. that drew a 30-yard pass-interference flag and acquired the Broncos properly into field-goal vary. Nix then took a knee to heart the ball for Wil Lutz’s game-ending 23-yard discipline objective.
Payton mentioned Nix can have surgical procedure Tuesday in Birmingham, Alabama.
“He’s such a robust, faith-based man,” Payton mentioned. “He’s sitting within the hallway together with his household and coming over and we’re all speaking to him. He is aware of that God’s acquired a plan for him and he mentioned he had (a damaged ankle) in highschool after which he mentioned he had one at Auburn.
“And I mentioned I didn’t notice that. I mentioned if I had identified that I wouldn’t have drafted you,” Payton cracked.
Nix mentioned nothing about being damage throughout 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 total select of Oregon within the 2024 NFL draft, tied Russell Wilson’s NFL report 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 tricky cookie,” Payton mentioned. “And this staff all 12 months has misplaced key gamers and can stand up for the following problem.”