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

Head coach Sean Payton says Nix had a preexisting issue that made the injury a matter of "when" not "if".

Jan. 27, 2026 at 8:47pm

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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 a standout season, leading the Broncos to a franchise-record tying 14 wins and the team's first playoff victory in a decade. His injury was a major setback for Denver's Super Bowl aspirations, as they went on to lose in the AFC Championship game without him.

The details

Nix broke the bone in his right ankle on Denver's game-winning drive against the Bills. He flew to Birmingham for surgery performed by renowned foot and ankle specialist Dr. Norman E. Waldrop III. Payton said the surgery revealed a preexisting condition that made the fracture inevitable, stating "it wasn't a matter of if, it was a matter of when." The Broncos GM said Nix is tracking to return in May for organized team activities.

  • Nix broke his ankle during the Broncos' divisional round playoff win over the Buffalo Bills.
  • Nix underwent surgery in Birmingham, Alabama the following week.
  • Nix watched from a suite as the Broncos lost to the New England Patriots in the AFC Championship game.

The players

Sean Payton

The head coach of the Denver Broncos.

Bo Nix

The starting quarterback for the Denver Broncos who suffered a broken ankle during the playoffs.

Norman E. Waldrop III

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

Jarrett Stidham

The backup quarterback for the Denver Broncos who started in place of the injured Nix in the AFC Championship game.

George Paton

The 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. When you look at the play and you're trying to evaluate it — the operating surgeon said that this was going to happen sooner than later. Now, you go about the rehab, proper orthotics, all those things.”

— 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 an inevitability, highlighting the challenges of playing quarterback in the NFL and the importance of proper medical evaluation and treatment. The Broncos will need to focus on Nix's rehabilitation and recovery in order to have him ready for the 2023 season.