The Denver Broncos will play the remainder of the postseason without starting quarterback Bo Nix, who suffered a fractured right ankle late in overtime during the team’s 33-30 victory over the Buffalo Bills. Head Coach Sean Payton confirmed that Nix will undergo season-ending surgery on Tuesday.
“He’s a tough cookie,” Payton said. “I said [to him], ‘Listen, I believe you’re the second quarterback in Year 2 to take your team to a championship game. And the first is [Patrick] Mahomes.’ This team, all year, has lost key players. We’ll rise up for the next challenge, and we’ll go from there.”
Veteran quarterback Jarrett Stidham will start in place of Nix for the AFC Championship Game scheduled for Sunday, January 25. Sam Ehlinger will serve as the backup quarterback.
“I would say this, in fairness to what you’ve seen, which is very limited: He’s ready,” Payton said about Stidham. “He’s ready. I said this at the beginning of the season, I feel like I’ve got a [No. 2 quarterback] that’s capable of starting for a number of teams, and I know he feels the same way. Watch out. Just watch. He’s experienced, he’s played in games. They’re different type players to some degree.”
Nix started all 36 games in his two-year career with Denver and joined John Elway as one of only two quarterbacks in franchise history to throw three touchdown passes in a postseason win.
Stidham brings experience to his new role, having started four games in his career and securing a win during his last home start in 2023. In his most recent appearance during the 2025 preseason, he completed 30-of-38 passes for 376 yards with four touchdowns and no interceptions.
“There will be a lot of emotions, and then the refocus takes place,” Payton said regarding how the team will move forward after losing Nix. “We celebrated the season for [Nix]. Listen, Stiddy’s ready, and we’ll be ready for the next challenge.”
