The Denver Broncos celebrated a thrilling 33-30 victory over the Buffalo Bills in the divisional round of the playoffs on March 11, 2024. However, the joy was tempered by the devastating news that quarterback Bo Nix suffered a broken right ankle during the game. Coach Sean Payton confirmed that Nix will undergo surgery, sidelining him for the remainder of the playoffs.
Nix sustained the injury late in overtime while attempting a quarterback keeper, where he was tackled by Bills safety Cole Bishop and lost 2 yards. Despite limping off the field, there was no immediate indication of the severity of his injury. He continued to play, completing a deep pass to Marvin Mims Jr. that resulted in a 30-yard pass-interference penalty, moving the Broncos into position for the game-winning field goal. Nix then took a knee to center the ball for Wil Lutz‘s 23-yard field goal.
Payton disclosed that Nix is scheduled for surgery on Tuesday in Birmingham, Alabama. “He’s such a strong, faith-based guy,” Payton said. He recounted a conversation with Nix, who has experienced similar injuries in high school and at Auburn. “If I had known that, I wouldn’t have drafted you,” Payton joked.
In the postgame interview, Nix did not mention his injury, expressing enthusiasm about the upcoming AFC Championship Game. “It’s great to have home-field advantage in a situation like this. It’s exciting. This is why you play the game,” he stated.
The Broncos will now rely on backup quarterback Jarrett Stidham, who has a 1-3 record as a starter in his six seasons. Payton expressed confidence in Stidham’s readiness to lead the team in Nix’s absence. “Stiddy’s ready,” he remarked.
Nix, the 12th overall pick in the 2024 NFL Draft, tied Russell Wilson’s NFL record with 24 victories in his first two seasons. This victory marked Nix’s first playoff win, a significant achievement for the young quarterback. The Broncos had previously lost to the Bills last season, but under Nix’s leadership, they secured the top seed in the AFC this year.
As the team prepares for the upcoming championship game, Payton emphasized the resilience of the squad, which has navigated several key player injuries throughout the season. “He’s a tough cookie,” Payton reflected, underscoring the team’s determination to rise to new challenges.
The Broncos now face a pivotal moment as they seek to advance further in the playoffs without their starting quarterback. The upcoming game will test not only Stidham’s skills but also the team’s overall depth and resolve in the face of adversity.
