May 21, 2026, 4:52 AM CUT

Broncos Hit with Concerning Bo Nix News Amidst Injury Concerns

Dec 7, 2025; Paradise, Nevada, USA; Denver Broncos quarterback Bo Nix (10) on the field prior to a game against the Las Vegas Raiders at Allegiant Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images

The Denver Broncos are all set to take the field on June 2 for voluntary OTAs. But star quarterback Bo Nix’s follow-up surgery has now become the Broncos' biggest concern.

Nix suffered a fractured ankle in the playoffs last season against the Buffalo Bills. The injury led to him missing the AFC Championship against the New England Patriots. He underwent the first surgery in January 2026.

Initially, the QB was expected to recover in time for the Broncos' offseason preparations. However, the clean-up procedure he underwent in April has pushed the timeline for his comeback further.

NFL Insider James Palmer reported on the Up & Adams Show on May 19 that Denver's starting quarterback likely won’t be cleared to participate until July.

“This was a big talking point in Denver because everybody was going ‘He’s ahead of schedule’ from Greg Penner to Sean Payton to George Paton,” Palmer said.

DENVER, CO - JANUARY 17: Denver Broncos quarterback Bo Nix 10 gives an interview to Tracy Wolfson of CBS sports after the AFC Divisional Round game against the Buffalo Bills at Empower Field at Mile High on January 17, 2026 in Denver, Colorado. Photo by Dustin Bradford/Icon Sportswire NFL, American Football Herren, USA JAN 17 AFC Divisional Round Bills at Broncos EDITORIAL USE ONLY Icon132260117380

He pointed out how the Broncos' front office assured fans and the media about Nix's recovery. HC Payton called the cleanup procedure a routine treatment for athletes with such injuries. But that did not change the fact that it has delayed Nix's return to the field.

“Everything is perfectly fine, easy procedure. And then he has a second procedure, and it slides him back a little bit. But he’ll be on the field in June, and he’ll be full-go in July, so when training camp starts, he should be right there," Palmer added.

Every Nix fan expected that he would be ready for Broncos OTAs by the start of June. However, the follow-up surgery delayed his recovery timeline. Still, the Broncos remain hopeful that he will be fully ready before the season begins.

Bo Nix’s Recovery Remains Key for Denver

Despite the setback, Denver remains optimistic about what Nix can bring once he returns. Drafted as a first-round pick in 2024, Bo Nix is entering his third year in the NFL.

For the past two seasons, Nix has been the starting quarterback for the Broncos. He holds the record for 24 wins in his first two seasons as an NFL player.

The Broncos went 14-3 in 2025 and earned the No. 1 seed in the AFC Playoffs. Following Nix's injury, however, Denver lost to the Patriots, 10-7, in the AFC Championship Game.

So, it is no surprise that Denver has a lot riding on Nix's performance this season.

Although Nix’s availability during the minicamps is in question, once he returns before the season, it will be interesting to watch what kind of dynamic Nix will build with the newly added Jaylen Waddle.

Other additions like Jonah Coleman and Justin Joly could end up playing a crucial role as well.

While Nix’s recovery remains a concern ahead of OTAs, the Denver Broncos are expecting their QB to return before training camp and lead the offense.

Written by

Evince Das

Edited by

Arundhoti Palit