Is Bo Nix out for the season? Latest updates on Broncos QB's ankle injury, surgery

The Denver Broncos won a playoff game for the first time since Super Bowl 50 in their 33-30 overtime victory over the Buffalo Bills.

However, they Broncos also suffered a brutal loss during the contest. Starting quarterback Bo Nix suffered an injury that will sideline him for the remainder of Denver's playoff run.

Nix has started the last 36 games consecutively for the Broncos dating back to his rookie season. His absence will leave Denver leaning on its backup quarterback, who has played just 18 combined snaps over the last two seasons and hasn't thrown a pass since 2023.

Here's what to know about Nix's injury and when Broncos fans can expect him back on the field.

Is Bo Nix out for the season?

Yes, Nix is out for remainder of the NFL playoffs after fracturing his ankle in Denver's 33-30 win over Buffalo in the divisional round, as Broncos coach Sean Payton announced during his postgame news conference.

"On the second-to-last play in overtime, Bo fractured a bone in his right ankle," Payton told reporters. "He's scheduled to have surgery Tuesday of this week to put him out for the rest of the season."

Payton's announcement was a surprise, as Nix was able to finish the overtime period despite his injury. He completed 26 of 46 passes for 279 yards, three touchdowns and an interception while leading the Broncos with 12 carries and 29 rushing yards.

How did Bo Nix break his ankle?

Payton originally said Nix fractured his ankle on the second-to-last play of overtime. However, the 62-year-old coach later clarified the injury occurred on Nix's rushing attempt the play before Marvin Mims Jr. drew a critical, 30-yard pass interference call against Tre'Davious White.

On the play in question, the Broncos attempted a sweep play to the left with Nix. Bills safety Cole Bishop was able to get into the backfield untouched and brought the second-year quarterback down behind the line of scrimmage with an ankle tackle.

Nix was able to get up after the play but appeared slightly hobbled after the tackle. He remained in the game despite the injury, playing the Broncos' final two offensive snaps before Wil Lutz trotted out and made the game-winning, 23-yard field goal to send the Broncos to the AFC championship game.

Bo Nix injury video

Below is a full look at the play on which Nix was injured, per NFL Media's Tom Pelissero.

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