Bo Nix injury update: Overtime play where QB broke ankle revealed

Emotions in Denver have quickly changed after beating the Buffalo Bills on Saturday to advance to the AFC Championship game. Broncos quarterback Bo Nix will not play due to a broken bone in his ankle. News seemingly out of nowhere because there was no specific moment where Nix looked to be hurt. But Nix is done for the season, however far the Broncos go.

Sean Payton revealed which play Nix actually suffered the injury. NFL Network’s Tom Pelissero later tweeted it out. Nix took a designed quarterback run to his left in the final drive of overtime, getting stopped behind the line of scrimmage. Nothing appeared to be wrong as Nix immediately got up and walked back to the huddle.

One play later was the throw to Marvin Mims, which drew a pass interference. Nix then took a knee to line the ball up for the game-winning kick. So, he was out there for an additional two plays with a broken bone in his ankle. You check out the full moment here.

Here’s the play on which Broncos coach Sean Payton said QB Bo Nix suffered a broken bone in his ankle that will require surgery and end his season, pressing Jarrett Stidham into the lineup for next week’s AFC Championship Game. pic.twitter.com/2QvotSfmJR

— Tom Pelissero (@TomPelissero) January 18, 2026

Nix performed well in the biggest game of his NFL career to this point. He threw for 279 yards, three touchdowns, and an interception, while completing 26 of his 46 pass attempts. Denver feasted off multiple turnovers from Josh Allen, helping put the offense in a good position.

Overtime is where the job got done, partially due to the work of Nix. Now, there is, unfortunately, something keeping him from finishing things out with his teammates.

More on Bo Nix, Broncos quarterback plans moving forward

With the injury, Nix just wrapped up his second season in the NFL after Denver took him in the second round of the 2024 NFL Draft. Individual and team success followed, winning 14 games during the regular season. Of course, the playoff win would not have been possible without Nix.

From a stats perspective, Nix threw for 3,931 yards, 25 touchdowns, and 11 interceptions on the year. Four games of at least 300 yards came, as did six multi-touchdown performances. Payton believed a special connection could grow between him and Nix, proving to be right.

But somebody else is taking the reins moving forward. Jared Stidham, who has not thrown a pass this season, will take over beginning next Sunday in the AFC Championship game. Denver will face either the Houston Texans or New England Patriots. In case of another emergency, Sam Ehlinger will serve as the backup.