Broncos QB Bo Nix's Ankle Condition Led to Inevitable Fracture

Head coach Sean Payton says Nix's preexisting ankle issue made the injury a matter of "when" not "if"

Jan. 27, 2026 at 6:47pm

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Denver Broncos quarterback Bo Nix suffered a broken bone in his right ankle during the team's divisional round playoff win over the Buffalo Bills. Head coach Sean Payton revealed that Nix had a preexisting ankle condition that made the fracture inevitable, stating "it wasn't a matter of if, it was a matter of when." Nix underwent surgery in Birmingham, Alabama and is expected to return in May when the Broncos begin organized team activities.

Why it matters

Nix had led the Broncos to a franchise-record 14 wins in the regular season and the team's first playoff victory in a decade. His injury was a major setback, forcing backup Jarrett Stidham to start in the AFC Championship game, which the Broncos lost to the New England Patriots.

The details

Payton said the operating surgeon found a preexisting condition in Nix's ankle that made the fracture inevitable. The coach said Nix has had several ankle operations dating back to high school, but that he has done a good job of protecting himself when running with the ball. Nix flew to Birmingham for the surgery, which was performed by a renowned foot and ankle specialist.

  • Nix broke his ankle on Denver's game-winning drive in the divisional round playoff game against the Buffalo Bills on January 17, 2026.
  • Nix underwent surgery in Birmingham, Alabama last week.
  • Nix watched from a suite as the Broncos lost to the Patriots in the AFC Championship game on January 26, 2026.

The players

Sean Payton

Head coach of the Denver Broncos.

Bo Nix

Quarterback for the Denver Broncos who suffered a broken ankle in the playoffs.

Jarrett Stidham

Backup quarterback for the Denver Broncos who started in place of the injured Bo Nix.

Norman E. Waldrop III

A renowned foot and ankle specialist at the Andrews Sports Medicine and Orthopedic Center in Birmingham, Alabama who performed Nix's surgery.

George Paton

General manager of the Denver Broncos.

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What they’re saying

“What was found was a condition that was predisposed — they always find a little more when they go in. It wasn't a matter of if, it was a matter of when.”

— Sean Payton, Head Coach, Denver Broncos

“He'll rehab his tail off and get ready and get back to being healthy. I think for someone who runs with the ball, I think he's done a pretty good job of protecting himself, not all the time, but for the most part, he's done a pretty good job of sliding and understanding playing for another day.”

— Sean Payton, Head Coach, Denver Broncos

What’s next

Nix is tracking to return in May when the Broncos begin organized team activities.

The takeaway

Nix's preexisting ankle condition made the fracture inevitable, highlighting the challenges quarterbacks who rely on their mobility face in staying healthy. The Broncos will need to focus on Nix's rehab and recovery to get him back on the field as soon as possible next season.