“There’s a good chance we see him in this offseason program in June,” Payton said during a press conference on Saturday. “We’re going to be the ones kind of holding back, if you will.” In any case, Payton said Nix will be “clearly full speed” in time for training camp later in the summer.

Nix was a key component of the Broncos success last season. In fact, his absence during the AFC Championship Game might be the reason why Denver wasn’t able to go to the Super Bowl. Payton’s words are very reassuring for Broncos fans.

Bo Nix is a very effective QB

While no one will put Nix as an MVP candidate, he is definitely an effective quarterback with a winning mentality. That’s what Sean Payton likes to have under center, someone who can get things done, and is a mature processor of the game.

Nix led the NFL in passing attempts, completed 63.4% of his passes for 3,931 yards, 25 touchdowns and 11 interceptions. He also led the league in game-winning drives with seven. Clutch at its peak.

The Broncos have bolstered Nix’s weapons

Last year, the Broncos had decent weapons in Courtland Sutton and Troy Franklin. However, tight end Evan Engram wasn’t as productive as expected and Marvin Mims wasn’t as explosive.

Well, the Broncos took notice and traded for wideout Jaylen Waddle, who will be an instant difference-maker in this offense. They are also likely to give more looks to tight end Adam Trautman. Hence, Nix could be even better this 2026 NFL season.

The Broncos are currently regarded as a top-tier team in the AFC. In 2025, thanks to Sean Payton’s coaching, the club ended the Chiefs’ dominance in the AFC West to secure their 16th divisional title.

Based on that previous campaign, fans have high expectations for 2026. Marvin Mims shares these feelings, as the wide receiver believes the Broncos are true contenders to win the upcoming Super Bowl.

“For me, it’s just answering the door when the bell is rung,” Mims said, via the Denver Post. “I feel like I’ve done that pretty well the past three years, but when I get my opportunities, make the most of it. Be a good teammate and assist the team in however many ways they want. This year, the team we have, the roster we have, how far we went last year, we’re all expecting a Super Bowl this year.”

Can the Broncos build a dynasty in the AFC West?

From 2011 to 2015, the Broncos were the dominant force in the AFC West. However, from 2016 to 2024, the Chiefs took control of the division with a dynasty built by Andy Reid and Patrick Mahomes.

Last year, Denver reclaimed control of the division, leaving many wondering if they can maintain this dominance. While Bo Nix is still recovering from a season-ending ankle injury suffered in the Divisional Round against Buffalo, expectations remain high for him and the club.

In 2025, the Broncos won the AFC West and the Chargers advanced as a Wild Card team, leaving the Chiefs out of the playoffs entirely. For 2026, Denver enters as the favorite to win the division once again, but they cannot afford to get comfortable.

The Chiefs’ winning mentality remains very much alive. While Patrick Mahomes continues to rehab from the significant knee injury (torn ACL/LCL) he suffered late last season, Andy Reid is unlikely to let his team miss the playoffs for a second consecutive year.

The Chargers are seen as the biggest threat to Denver’s plans. Jim Harbaugh has completely shifted the team’s culture, maximizing Justin Herbert’s potential and proving they have a competitive roster capable of fighting for the division.

Finally, the Raiders represent a new challenge. With a new head coach in Klint Kubiak and a new quarterback in Fernando Mendoza, Las Vegas is expected to improve. However, this year may serve as a transitional test as the team adapts to Kubiak’s guidance.

The Broncos’ outstanding offense

During this offseason, the Broncos made a splash by acquiring Jaylen Waddle via trade with the Dolphins. They now boast a formidable trio of Courtland Sutton, Troy Franklin, and Waddle as the primary targets for Bo Nix.

The backfield features a lethal duo in JK Dobbins and RJ Harvey. While there are some questions regarding the consistency of Evan Engram at tight end, it appears Nix has plenty of weapons to pursue the Super Bowl title that Mims envisions.

After suffering a fractured ankle during the Divisional Round in an overtime win against the Buffalo Bills, Nix was unable to play in the AFC Championship Game, a major factor in Denver falling short of a Super Bowl appearance. Now, months later, the focus is on ensuring he returns fully healthy.

According to Ian Rapoport, Nix recently underwent a routine follow-up procedure as part of that process. “During his scheduled re-check with Dr. Norman Waldrop last week, Broncos QB Bo Nix had a successful and anticipated follow-up clean-up procedure on his ankle. While the team is expected to be conservative with his participation during the offseason program, Nix continues to make strong progress in his recovery and remains firmly on track to be ready for the start of training camp.”

Bo Nix’s injury update: Broncos QB had another procedure

Despite the encouraging update for Bo Nix, the Broncos are not expected to rush their quarterback back into full action this spring. Rapoport emphasized that this kind of procedure is standard and does not change the broader timeline.

“For Broncos QB Bo Nix, having a follow-up cleanup procedure after a fractured ankle is not rare or unexpected and he’s still expected to be ready for the season. That said, don’t be surprised if the team takes it very easy with him this spring.”

That cautious approach reflects both the severity of the initial injury and the importance of having Nix at full strength when it matters most. While projections continue to point toward a full recovery in time for the 2026 season, the Broncos appear focused on managing his workload carefully throughout the offseason.

“And then we’ve got another guy that just came in, Jaylen Waddle, you know what I’m saying?” the running back said on NFL Network’s The Insiders. “Pick your poison because we’ve got Courtland Sutton, we’ve got the young Pat Bryant, we’ve got a great O-line, we’ve got everything. We’ve got an embarrassment of riches on this team of talent.“

He even warned his rivals about what they’re about to see: “I’m excited. I really am, because, call it what it is, I got hurt, I missed the last, what, seven games in the regular season. I’m fresh. I’m gonna be fresh and I’m gonna be pissed off because I’m tired of the unfortunate stuff. “

The serious injury he suffered during the regular season kept Dobbins out for much of it. It’s not unreasonable for him to feel that thirst for revenge, especially with the talent surrounding him.

How much can Waddle contribute to the Broncos?

The addition of Waddle to the Denver Broncos is a massive win for Bo Nix, as he gains an elite vertical threat to stretch the field alongside J.K. Dobbins. Waddle arrives after a solid 2025 campaign with the Dolphins, where he hauled in 64 receptions for 910 yards and 6 touchdowns in 16 games, averaging an impressive 14.2 yards per catch.

Bo Nix’s arsenal

Heading into the 2026 season, Bo Nix is surrounded by a versatile arsenal designed to maximize his quick processing and accuracy. The unit is anchored by veteran Courtland Sutton, who remains a premier red-zone threat, and elite tight end Evan Engram, who provides a reliable safety valve across the middle.

To stretch the field, Nix can rely on the explosive speed of Marvin Mims Jr. and his former college teammate Troy Franklin, whose established chemistry with Nix offers the Broncos a high-upside vertical duo capable of punishing any secondary.

Dobbins’ injury is behind him

In 2025, JK Dobbins suffered a season-ending Lisfranc injury in his left foot during the third quarter of a Week 10 victory against the Las Vegas Raiders on November 6. The injury occurred due to a hip-drop tackle and required surgery, forcing him to miss the final seven games of the regular season and Denver‘s playoff run.

Despite the setback, Dobbins is fully expected to be ready for the 2026 season; he recently re-signed with the Broncos on a new two-year deal and stated in March 2026 that he feels fresh and ready to lead the backfield again.

The Broncos were able to reach the AFC Championship Game in a year not many expected them to succeed. Nevertheless, despite a solid campaign, most fans know Bo Nix needs to be surrounded by more top-tier weapons.

While the club is expected to focus on acquiring a wide receiver, the tight end position remains a priority as well. Now, the Broncos have a unique chance to select a player who already knows what it’s like to catch passes from Nix due to their college connection.

Kenyon Sadiq impresses at NFL Combine, Broncos a potential landing spot

On Friday, tight end prospects took the stage at the 2026 NFL Combine to prove their worth to all 32 teams. Fortunately for Kenyon Sadiq, it was a very good day to stand out.

The tight end entered the Combine as the top prospect at his position and solidified that status with an outstanding performance, even breaking an all-time record.

The former Oregon player, who played the 2023 season with Bo Nix as his quarterback, ran the 40-yard dash in 4.39 seconds, breaking the mark set by Vernon Davis (4.40) in 2006 for a tight end.

Sadiq is a 6-foot-3, 241-pound tight end whose athleticism is impossible to ignore. He also impressed with an 11-foot-1 broad jump and a 43.5-inch vertical jump — rare marks for a player of his size at the position.

Several mock drafts project Kenyon Sadiq as a top-20 pick in the 2026 NFL Draft, which is not ideal for the Broncos, who hold the 30th overall selection in the first round. However, a trade up could be possible, especially considering the connection between the tight end and Bo Nix from their Oregon days.

The Broncos need a solid tight end

During the 2025 offseason, the Broncos decided to acquire a veteran tight end for Bo Nix. They signed Evan Engram, who had been released by the Jacksonville Jaguars, to a two-year, $23 million contract.

Unfortunately, Engram did not make the impact Denver expected in his debut season. The veteran finished with 50 receptions for 461 yards and one touchdown, which is why strengthening the position with Sadiq would make a lot of sense.

Earlier this offseason, the Broncos announced the departure of Keary Colbert, their wide receivers coach. His unit ranked among the worst in the league in 2025, and he has since joined the Baltimore Ravens.

With the position open, Sean Payton turned to a familiar face. Denver has hired Ronald Curry as its new wide receivers coach, aiming to bolster Bo Nix’s offense ahead of the upcoming season.

The Broncos need a more reliable wide receivers corps

During the 2025 NFL season, the Broncos were rumored to be exploring options to add another wide receiver. They reportedly attempted to trade for the Miami Dolphins’ Jaylen Waddle, but the asking price proved too steep.

Despite not landing Waddle, Denver still reached the AFC Championship Game with its existing receiving group. However, as the season concluded, it became clear that Bo Nix needs more consistent weapons at his disposal.

Whether through external additions or internal development, improvement is necessary. The Broncos’ receiving unit ranked among the league’s worst in dropped passes in 2025 — a concerning statistic for a quarterback who showed significant growth despite inconsistent support.

Ronald Curry is expected to help change that narrative. The former wide receiver spent the past two seasons as quarterbacks coach for the Buffalo Bills, working closely with Josh Allen during a very solid stretch of his career.

Curry previously served as wide receivers coach under Sean Payton in New Orleans from 2018 to 2020. Now, he faces the challenge of building a more dependable receiving corps in Denver — one capable of elevating Bo Nix and helping the Broncos compete for a Super Bowl in 2026.

After suffering a broken bone in his ankle, Bo Nix’s season came to an abrupt end. He was unable to play in the AFC Championship Game for Denver, a situation that ultimately proved costly for the Broncos.

In recent days, Sean Payton revealed that Bo Nix had a preexisting condition that eventually led to the injury. However, the quarterback has pushed back against that claim, creating tension with his head coach over who is telling the truth.

Bo Nix denies having a preexisting ankle condition

During Tuesday’s press conference, Sean Payton addressed how Bo Nix suffered the ankle injury. According to the head coach, Nix had a predisposed condition that made the injury inevitable.

“What was found was a condition that was predisposed — they always find a little more when they go in,” Payton said. “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.”

Bo Nix, however, has denied that statement. The quarterback took a different stance than his head coach, insisting there was no preexisting issue with his ankle—a contradiction that could lead to complications in his relationship with Payton.

“Nothing predisposed, nothing that was there originally,” Nix said, per Luca Evans of the Denver Post. “That might have gotten confused. Just a simple step with my foot up in the air, my body weight came down on it, sort of got twisted up.”

Will Bo Nix be ready for the 2026 NFL season?

Yes, Bo Nix is expected to be fully ready for the start of the 2026 NFL season. Following surgery, his recovery timeline was estimated at up to 12 weeks, meaning he should be available for training camp.

After the Broncos’ loss in the AFC Championship Game, it became clear how important Nix is to the team. Despite critics suggesting Denver didn’t need him, the defeat to the Patriots with Jarrett Stidham as QB1 proved just how vital Bo Nix is to the Broncos’ success.

Although injuries have plagued him for several weeks during the past campaign, JK Dobbins proved through his stats why he was one of Nix’s most trusted players throughout the season.

In a conversation with the media, one of the most explosive running backs in the AFC in 2025 spoke about his future, making it clear that his time in Mile High has been positive and that he would like to spend much more time wearing orange and blue.

“It’s been a great time here in my short time here,” the former Ravens and Chargers player said via NFL.com. “I think I will be here. Hopefully, I will. I’m a Bronco for life.”

Nix’s key partner

In 2025, J.K. Dobbins proved to be a vital asset for the Denver Broncos, emerging as one of the primary weapons for quarterback Bo Nix during their run to the AFC Championship.

Over the course of the season, the experienced running back demonstrated his efficiency and explosive running style, recording 153 carries for 772 yards and 4 touchdowns.

Averaging an impressive 5.0 yards per carry, his veteran presence provided the “edge” Nix needed to lead the offense, effectively balancing the ground game before a late-season injury sidelined him.

Dobbins arrived to the NFL in 2020 after being drafted in the second round by the Baltimore Ravens. His rookie season was very promising, but over the next three years, injuries prevented him from becoming a star alongside Lamar Jackson.

In 2024, he tried to revamp his career by signing with the Chargers, and it looked like he was on pace for a 1,000-yard season playing for John Harbaugh. However, another injury slowed him down. In 2025, the Broncos gave him an opportunity and he responded to that trust, until, as has been the case throughout his career, his health prevented him from taking the next step.

Why is JK Dobbins not playing today for Broncos vs Patriots?

JK Dobbins is not playing today for the Broncos against the Patriots in the AFC Championship Game due to a Lisfranc injury he suffered in Week 10 facing the Las Vegas Raiders. The running back appeared destined to miss the entire season, but he has made an impressive effort to return.

JK Dobbins might return for Super Bowl with the Broncos

JK Dobbins was a limited participant in practice all week for the Denver Broncos ahead of the AFC Championship Game against the Patriots. That opens the door for the running back to potentially be available for a hypothetical Super Bowl, with two extra weeks of recovery.

Before the start of the season, many experts believed the Kansas City Chiefs would maintain their dominance in the AFC West or that the Los Angeles Chargers would be the big breakout team with Justin Herbert. The Broncos turned out to be the true dark horse.

However, in a shocking turn of events in the NFL, the Broncos will have to face the New England Patriots in the AFC Championship Game without Nix. A key factor that could derail their championship hopes.

Bo Nix injury update for Broncos vs Patriots in 2026 AFC Championship Game

Bo Nix has been officially ruled out by the Denver Broncos and will not be able to play against the New England Patriots in the AFC Championship Game. Jarrett Stidham will be the starting quarterback, with Sam Ehlinger as the backup.

What happened with Bo Nix?

Bo Nix fractured his right ankle during overtime of the game between the Denver Broncos and the Buffalo Bills in the Divisional Round. He has already been placed on injured reserve and will be out for at least three months.

Suddenly, despite being the No. 1 seed in the conference, the Broncos became big underdogs ahead of the matchup against the New England Patriots. However, Sean Payton showed a shocking confidence in what was to come.

On the road to the Super Bowl, Payton assured that Jarrett Stidham was more than capable of taking over the starting quarterback role and that, from his perspective, he could easily be QB1 for many teams in the NFL, all while knowing that Stidham has not thrown a pass in two years.

Who is Broncos starting QB?

Jarrett Stidham will be the starting quarterback for the Broncos against the Patriots in the AFC Championship Game. Interestingly, Stidham was selected by New England in the fourth round of the 2019 NFL Draft. In 2022 he was with the Las Vegas Raiders, and in 2023 the QB signed with Denver.

Who is the backup QB for the Denver Broncos?

Sam Ehlinger is the backup quarterback for the Denver Broncos. This applies not only to the AFC Championship Game but also to a hypothetical Super Bowl, as Bo Nix will not return.