What's next for Bo Nix and Broncos after broken ankle?

We answer some questions about the injury from the team's perspective, its chances this postseason and the long-term consequences.

DENVER – The quarterback of the Denver Broncos, Bo Nixled another comeback on Saturday, leading the Broncos to the AFC Championship with a 33-30 overtime victory over the Buffalo Bills. However, one fracture in the right ankle, suffered three plays before the winning field goal of Wil Lutzwill leave the player out of the game quarterback second year of Denver for the rest of the season.

The injury of Nix leave the Broncos in an uncertain situation as the franchise looks to win its fourth Super Bowl. What does the future hold for you? Denver and his young quarterback?

The reporter of the Broncos, Jeff Legwoldanswered questions about the injury From the team's perspective, the analyst ESPN, Seth Waldershared his opinion on the prospects of the Broncos in this postseason, and the injury analyst Stephania Bell offered information on the next steps of Nix and the possible long-term consequences during your recovery.

What happened?

The coach of the Broncos, Sean Paytonreported that Nix He suffered the fracture on a first down play from the team's 36-yard line. Billswith 6:04 minutes remaining in overtime. Nix lost two yards on a designed running play when the safety Buffalo, Cole Bishopknocked him down. Nix He was limping slightly after the play, but quickly returned to the players' circle.

On the next play, he threw a long incomplete pass to the receiver Marvin Mims Jr.in which the cornerback of the Bills, Tre’Davious Whitewas penalized for pass interference. Nix He moved down the field to set up with the offense and received the next snap for a knee-down play. During this play, his right ankle twisted strangely and seemed to give way. Nix He was limping noticeably as he walked to the sideline before the game-winning field goal. Lutz. — Legwold

Who will be the next Broncos quarterback?

Jarrett Stidham is he quarterback substitute of the Broncos. Signed with Denver as a free agent in 2023, just after Payton was hired as head coach. Payton has frequently highlighted the experience and attitude of Stidham as key factors for the development of Nix In his first two seasons in the NFL. Stidham He was selected in the fourth round of the draft by the New England Patriots in 2019 and played three seasons there before signing with the Las Vegas Raiders in 2022, where he was the substitute for Derek Carr.

Stidhamwho considers that the time he spent working with Tom Brady in the Patriots was fundamental to his development, he started two games in 2023 after Payton will relegate to Russell Wilson to the bench, throwing for two touchdowns and an interception. Stidham does not have the mobility of Nixbut he is not afraid to throw long passes and he has shown it in previous games.

As for the quarterback behind Stidhamlos Broncos they managed to retain Sam Ehlinger. Ehlinger rejected an offer to sign with the Indianapolis Colts and join their active roster early this season to remain on the team's practice squad. Broncos. — Legwold

What can Denver do to help Stidham?

After three seasons with the Broncos, Payton believe that Stidham is familiar enough with the playbook to keep a wide range of options in the game plan. However, since Nix He actively participated in the ground game of the Broncos, Payton might have to rethink how the quarterback fits into the running game. The runners of the Broncos They only had 10 carries, while Nix had 12 in Saturday's win against the Bills. Nix He also led the team with 29 yards rushing.

Nix He's also been one of the toughest quarterbacks to bring down since he came to the league. NFL in 2024. Saturday was the 12th game of the season in which he was tackled once or not at all. The Broncos might need some adjustments to the protection scheme with Stidhamwho has been sacked 13 times in four starts, including five times in one of his 2023 starts with the Broncos. — Legwold

What was the Broncos' immediate reaction?

Payton broke the news after many players from the Broncos They had already left the locker room, so it's likely that many of them found out on the way home. Payton You'll see some players on Sunday as they head to the team facility for medical treatment, and others on Monday.

Those who heard the news at the stadium on Saturday were immediately disappointed, especially by Nix. But the need to prepare for the AFC Championship game will force the Broncos to react quickly. Nix He is scheduled for surgery Tuesday in Birmingham, Alabama, and will likely be with his teammates later in the week. — Legwold

Do the Broncos have a chance of beating the Patriots without Nix? Of winning the Super Bowl?

I remember participating in a similar roundtable eight years ago, dismissing the possibilities of Eagles to win the Super Bowl con Nick Foles after Carson Wentz He was injured at the end of the season. It was a mistake, in part because that team of Eagles 2017 had an elite roster that could support a backup quarterback. That is practically what the Broncos. They have arguably the best offensive line in the league and a solid defense capable of stopping both the running and passing game.

I am very skeptical about the possibilities of Denver and I would be very surprised if the Broncos will celebrate the victory next weekend, much less in the Super Bowl LX. But they are just two wins away from the championship in a very close season. Given the depth and talent of their roster, I'm not ruling them out completely. — Walder

What will be the long-term impact? How long could Nix be out?

In the absence of detailed information on the fracture ankle Nixit is difficult to specify his treatment and recovery. However, the statements of Payton after the game, indicating that Nix will undergo surgery, they suggest that the fracture is unstable and requires the implantation of osteosynthesis material to stabilize it and ensure proper alignment of the bones. The fact that they were able to report this immediately after the match indicates that the fracture was clearly visible on the x-ray without the need for additional imaging tests.

The recovery of a fracture Surgically repaired ankle joint usually lasts 10 to 12 weeks, but regaining full range of motion, strength, and dynamic function of the joint requires approximately three to four months. Given the time remaining before the start of training camp, it is likely that Nix be ready to begin the 2026 regular season, as long as no complications arise. — Bell