Broncos' QB Bo Nix Suffers Broken Ankle, Ending Season

Backup Jarrett Stidham to start AFC Championship game after Nix's dramatic injury in overtime win over Bills.

Apr. 11, 2026 at 11:42am

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A cubist, geometric painting depicting a fractured, multi-angled view of a football player's injured ankle, conveying the dramatic impact of the injury on the team's championship aspirations.The Broncos' playoff hopes rest on backup QB Jarrett Stidham after starter Bo Nix's season-ending ankle injury.Denver Today

Denver Broncos quarterback Bo Nix suffered a broken ankle bone on the second-to-last play of the team's overtime victory against the Buffalo Bills, ending his season. Head coach Sean Payton announced the injury news, stating that former Patriots QB Jarrett Stidham will start the upcoming AFC Championship game in Nix's place.

Why it matters

Nix had been having a breakout season for the Broncos, leading the team to the AFC Championship game. His injury is a major setback for Denver's Super Bowl aspirations, as they must now turn to the less experienced Stidham to guide them through the playoffs.

The details

Nix was playing well in the overtime win, going 6-of-7 passing including a key completion to Courtland Sutton to set up the game-winning score. However, on the second-to-last play, Nix suffered the devastating ankle injury that will sideline him for the rest of the season.

  • Nix's injury occurred on the second-to-last play of the Broncos' overtime win against the Bills on April 10, 2026.
  • The Broncos will host the winner of the Houston Texans vs. New England Patriots game in the AFC Championship on April 17, 2026.

The players

Bo Nix

The Denver Broncos' starting quarterback who suffered a season-ending broken ankle injury in the team's overtime win against the Buffalo Bills.

Jarrett Stidham

The former New England Patriots quarterback who was drafted in the 4th round in 2019 and will now start for the Broncos in the AFC Championship game.

Sean Payton

The head coach of the Denver Broncos who announced Nix's injury and Stidham's promotion to starting quarterback.

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What they’re saying

“Stiddy's ready to go.”

— Sean Payton, Head Coach, Denver Broncos

What’s next

The Broncos will host the winner of the Houston Texans vs. New England Patriots game in the AFC Championship on April 17, 2026, with Jarrett Stidham as their starting quarterback.

The takeaway

Bo Nix's season-ending injury is a major blow to the Broncos' Super Bowl aspirations, but the team must now rally behind backup QB Jarrett Stidham as they aim to reach the big game without their breakout star.