Bo Nix shines in Broncos preseason return: Instant analysis, grades

Bo Nix is back.

Last time we saw the Denver Broncos quarterback, he was finishing off an overtime victory in the divisional round against the Buffalo Bills. Moments after the game ended, head coach Sean Payton revealed Nix had a fractured ankle and his season was over.

The news wasn't just shocking. It might've altered the course of NFL history.

Denver, starting backup quarterback Jarrett Stidham, would go on to lose to the New England Patriots in the AFC Championship Game. Two weeks later, it was the Patriots that were blown out in Super Bowl 60. Whether Nix would've guided Denver to a Super Bowl victory is anyone's guess, but fans will always wonder what could've been.

In the meantime, there was some uncertainty about Nix going into the 2026 season. Would his mobility be impacted? Would he be the same player?

On Friday night, Nix put some minds at ease in his return to the field. Here's a breakdown of how the third-year quarterback looked in his first game action of the 2026 season.

Bo Nix Broncos preseason Week 2 grade

You never want to put too much stock into a preseason game, especially for a third-year quarterback that is supposed to be leading one of the league's best teams. If you put it into context, this was everything you could've for and more from Nix.

He showed no signs of injury. More importantly, he appeared to have no limitations.

Nix was mobile in the pocket, rolling out on multiple occasions. He didn't register a rushing attempt, but Nix's movements suggested that would've been on the menu in a more important game.

As for Nix's right arm, it looked like Nix.

He completed 6 of 9 pass attempts for 76 yards and a touchdown. In doing so, he also connected with key offseason acquisition Jaylen Waddle for the first time. Nix hit Waddle over the middle for 35 yards on the catch-and-run. That's something the Broncos, and their fans, should expect to see a ton this season.

Welcome to Denver, @D1__JW

: 9NEWS pic.twitter.com/qvxiByZBAl

- Denver Broncos (@Broncos) August 22, 2026

Later in the drive, he found RJ Harvey out of the backfield on the wheel route for the 21-yard score.

Our first TD at @EmpowerField this preseason

: 9NEWS pic.twitter.com/DGInjQAWXd

- Denver Broncos (@Broncos) August 22, 2026

If you think that looked familiar, it's because it did. Nix found Harvey for a 27-yard touchdown in Week 9 last season against the Houston Texans with the same pitch-and-catch.

to 12

: FOX pic.twitter.com/JtPme80XJ1

- Denver Broncos (@Broncos) November 2, 2025

Nix targeted seven different receivers in his nine pass attempts, spreading the wealth during his first action with Davis Webb calling the plays. For those that want to be picky, it's easy to point to Nix's inability to connect with Courtland Sutton on two targets.

However, he did lead the Broncos to a pair of scoring drives and left the game in one piece. In doing so, Nix also shed any and all concerns about his health. As far as the preseason goes, you can't ask for much more than that.

Bo Nix grade vs. Packers: ABo Nix stats vs. Packers

• Completions/Attempts (%):6/9 (66.7%)
• Passing yards: 76
• Passing touchdowns:1
• Interceptions:0
• Passer rating:129.9
• Rushing yards:0
• Sacks:0

All the NFL news on and off the field.Sign up for USA TODAY's 4th and Monday newsletter.

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Bo Nix shines in Broncos preseason return: Instant analysis, grades