Post-Victory Heartbreak: Bo Nix Out for Season with Broken Ankle Following Playoff Thriller

BO NIX INJURY UPDATE: Denver Broncos QB Bo Nix is out for the season with a broken ankle suffered during the OT win over Buffalo. Jarrett Stidham to start the AFC Championship Game.

The Denver Broncos’ highest peak in a decade was met with a devastating valley just moments after their dramatic 33–30 overtime victory against the Buffalo Bills.

On Saturday night, January 17, 2026, head coach Sean Payton stunned a celebrating locker room by announcing that breakout star quarterback Bo Nix suffered a broken bone in his right ankle and will miss the remainder of the postseason.

The injury brings a sudden end to what has been a “magical” sophomore campaign for Nix, who had just led the franchise to its first playoff win since the 2015 season.

The “Phantom” Injury: A Heroic Final Stand

The most shocking aspect for fans was that Nix appeared to finish the game without incident. However, Payton revealed the injury occurred on a designed quarterback keeper with roughly six minutes left in overtime.

• the Play: Nix was tackled for a two-yard loss by Bills safety Cole Bishop. Though he was seen limping slightly, he remained on the field for the high-stakes finish.
• The Final Drive: On the very next play, Nix stood in the pocket and delivered a deep strike toward Marvin Mims Jr., drawing a 39-yard pass interference penalty that put Denver in field-goal range.
• The Knee: Nix took a final knee to center the ball for kicker Wil Lutz, who then drilled the 23-yard game-winner. Only after the celebration subsided was the severity of the fracture discovered.

Next Man Up: The Stidham Era Begins (Again)

With the AFC Championship Game set for next Sunday, January 25, the Broncos must now pivot to their veteran backup.

“Stiddy’s ready,” Sean Payton told reporters, referring to Jarrett Stidham. “He’s been a pro’s pro for us. It’s a tough blow for Bo, but this team is built for the long haul.”

Playoff Picture: The Path to the Super Bowl

The Broncos are scheduled to host the winner of today’s Houston Texans vs. New England Patriots matchup. Despite the loss of their QB1, Denver’s top-ranked defense remains the backbone of their championship hopes.

Medical Outlook and Recovery

Nix is scheduled to fly to Birmingham, Alabama, for surgery on Tuesday, January 20. Medical experts suggest a standard recovery timeline for this type of fracture is 4 to 6 months, meaning Nix should be fully recovered in time for the 2026 training camp in July.

“He’s a strong, faith-based kid,” Payton added. “He was sitting in the hallway with his family when I spoke to him. He told me he’d broken the same ankle in high school—I told him if I’d known that, I wouldn’t have drafted him.”