Broncos OLB Nik Bonitto Undergoes Wrist Surgery

The Broncos linebacker had a clean-up procedure after playing through an injury for most of the 2025 season.

Feb. 5, 2026 at 8:47pm

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Broncos outside linebacker Nik Bonitto underwent surgery on his wrist this week, multiple sources told The Denver Post. Bonitto originally injured his wrist in Week 2 of the 2025 season and played the rest of the year with a large club on his right hand. The procedure was described as a simple clean-up and not a serious injury. Despite the wrist issue, Bonitto finished the 2025 season with a career-best 14 sacks and 28 quarterback hits, earning a Pro Bowl selection, though he missed out on a second straight AP All-Pro nod by one vote.

Why it matters

Bonitto's wrist injury and subsequent surgery highlight the physical toll of an NFL season, especially for a player like Bonitto who had a breakout year in 2025. The Broncos will be hoping Bonitto can return fully healthy for the 2026 season and build on his Pro Bowl campaign.

The details

Bonitto originally injured his wrist in the Broncos' Week 2 loss to the Indianapolis Colts when he slammed the ground in frustration after the Colts' walk-off win. He played the rest of the season with a large club on his right hand, and his production dipped for a 10-game stretch in the middle of the year. Bonitto also had a bone spur surgically removed from his foot in the preseason.

  • Bonitto injured his wrist in Week 2 of the 2025 season.
  • Bonitto underwent wrist surgery this week in 2026.

The players

Nik Bonitto

A Broncos outside linebacker who had a breakout 2025 season, finishing with a career-best 14 sacks and 28 quarterback hits despite playing through a wrist injury.

Jonathon Cooper

A Broncos outside linebacker who said he believed Bonitto was "snubbed" for a second straight AP All-Pro selection.

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What they’re saying

“Individually, I had a great year, and I still feel like I can get better, and so can the team. So, I have no regrets at this year.”

— Nik Bonitto (The Denver Post)

“1000% — I knew I should've been one of those guys. But at the end of the day, I wasn't. And that's just kinda gonna push me harder to be that, and not make it even close to where they can keep me out again. So, just have a lot of offseason work that'll go into it.”

— Nik Bonitto (The Denver Post)

What’s next

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The takeaway

This case highlights growing concerns in the community about repeat offenders released on bail, raising questions about bail reform, public safety on SF streets, and if any special laws to govern autonomous vehicles in residential and commercial areas.