Bo Nix Had Ankle Condition Before Season-Ending Injury, Sean Payton Updates Broncos QB's Timeline

Denver Broncos quarterback Bo Nix was dealing with an unknown ankle issue before suffering the injury that knocked him out of the NFL playoffs.

"What was found was a condition that was predisposed — they always find a little more when they go in," head coach Sean Payton told reporters Tuesday. "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."

General manager George Paton said the team is hopeful Nix will get back on the field by May.

Payton's comments help to explain why such a serious injury initially escaped everyone's attention.

Nix played every offensive snap in Denver's 33-30 overtime win over the Buffalo Bills, and at no point did he suffer a big hit that pointed to a fracture in his ankle. Based on the doctor's assessment, it may have only taken a subtle twist the wrong way to do a lot of damage.

The Broncos and their fans are left to rue what could've been after the team came up short in the AFC title game without Nix.

His injury may not have been a decisive factor in the 10-7 defeat, though, given how much the snowy conditions neutralized each passing game. Jarrett Stidham went 17-of-31 for 133 yards, one touchdown and an interception for Denver, while the New England Patriots' Drake Maye had just 86 passing yards.

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Getting so close to a Super Bowl appearance and missing out figures to be a source of motivation in the Mile High City.

Looking ahead to the 2026 season, the timeline for Nix's recovery puts him firmly on track to be ready for Week 1. Even if he needs an extra month, he'll have ample opportunity to shake off the rust in training camp and perhaps get some reps in the preseason.