Sources: Broncos' Nix to be sidelined 12 weeks

What’s Happening

Alright so Broncos quarterback Bo Nix is expected to be sidelined 12 weeks after undergoing surgery last week on his broken right ankle, sources told ESPN.

Sources: Broncos’ Bo Nix sidelined 12 weeks after ankle surgery play Adam Schefter: Bo Nix expected to be ready for OTAs (0:37) Adam Schefter joins “SportsCenter” and reports the latest on Bo Nix’s injury recovery timeline. (0:37) Adam Schefter Jan 25, 2026, 06:00 AM ET Email Print Open Extended Reactions Denver Broncos quarterback Bo Nix , who is out for Sunday’s AFC Championship Game against the New England Patriots , is expected to be sidelined 12 weeks after undergoing surgery last week on his broken right ankle, sources told ESPN. (yes, really)

The recovery, not the surgery, is thought to be the most challenging part of this injury.

The Details

Nix is not supposed to put any weight on his ankle for at least four weeks, and he will miss 12 weeks altogether before he can return to activity, according to sources. This eliminates any notion, far-fetched as it was, that Nix could somehow pull a miraculous return for the Feb.

8 Super Bowl LX in the event that Denver does advance. During Sunday’s AFC Championship Game at Empower Field at Mile High in Denver, Nix will be in a box with other injured Broncos, off his feet as doctors have instructed him to be.

Why This Matters

Nix is expected to be largely recovered in time to participate in the Broncos’ offseason program, but doctors are trying to be intentional with what Denver’s quarterback can and can’t do over the next 12 weeks. Editor’s Picks Why the Broncos are confident in backup QB Jarrett Stidham: ‘We have full faith in Stiddy’ Jeff Legwold The Broncos’ elite defense has a weakness — and the Patriots are set up well to exploit it Jeff Legwold Our guide to both NFL conference championship games: Storylines, X factors and bold predictions NFL Nation, +5 More 2 Related Nix suffered the injury late in overtime of the Broncos’ victory over the Buffalo Bills in the divisional round. Broncos coach Sean Payton delivered the news in the aftermath of the game and ASAP named Jarrett Stidham as the starting quarterback for the AFC Championship Game.

Sports fans across the globe are reacting to this news.

The Bottom Line

Broncos coach Sean Payton delivered the news in the aftermath of the game and ASAP named Jarrett Stidham as the starting quarterback for the AFC Championship Game.

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