QB Bo Nix Suffers Season-Ending Ankle Injury; Jarrett Stidham to Start AFC Championship Game

DENVER — The Mile High City is grappling with a bittersweet victory today. Just hours after the Denver Broncos secured a thrilling 33-30 overtime win against the Buffalo Bills to advance to their first AFC Championship Game in a decade, the team confirmed devastating news: starting quarterback Bo Nix is out for the remainder of the postseason.

Head Coach Sean Payton announced late Saturday night that Nix suffered a fracture in his right ankle during the final moments of overtime. The injury occurred on the second-to-last play of the game—a quarterback sweep where Nix was tackled by Bills safety Cole Bishop. Despite the break, Nix stayed on the field for the final kneel-down to set up Wil Lutz’s game-winning field goal.

The Road Ahead: Stidham Takes the Reins

With Nix scheduled for surgery this Tuesday in Birmingham, Alabama, the Broncos will turn to veteran Jarrett Stidham to lead them against either the Houston Texans or the New England Patriots next Sunday, January 25.

“Stiddy’s ready,” Payton told reporters. “I’ve said this since the beginning of the season: I feel like I’ve got a backup that’s capable of starting for a number of teams. Watch out. Just watch.”

Key Details of the Transition:

• The Injury: A fractured right ankle requiring season-ending surgery.
• The Replacement: Jarrett Stidham, who has been with the Broncos since 2023 and has four career starts under his belt.
• The Depth Chart: Sam Ehlinger will move up to the active roster as the No. 2 quarterback behind Stidham.
• The Stakes: A trip to the Super Bowl is on the line. Stidham will be making his first-ever career postseason start in the biggest game for the franchise since Super Bowl 50.

Nix finishes his remarkable sophomore campaign having joined John Elway as the only quarterbacks in franchise history to throw three touchdown passes in a postseason victory. While his season ends in the training room, the Broncos must now rely on Payton’s “next man up” philosophy to carry them through the AFC title game.

Frequently Asked Questions regarding the Denver Broncos’ quarterback transition and the upcoming AFC Championship Game:

Q: What is the latest on Bo Nix’s injury?

A: Bo Nix suffered a fractured right ankle late in overtime during the Broncos’ 33-30 victory over the Buffalo Bills on Saturday, January 17, 2026. He is scheduled for season-ending surgery this Tuesday in Birmingham, Alabama, and will miss the remainder of the postseason.

Q: Who is starting the AFC Championship Game?

A: Head Coach Sean Payton has officially named veteran Jarrett Stidham as the starter for the AFC Championship Game on Sunday, January 25.

Q: Who is the new backup quarterback?

A: With Stidham moving into the starting role, Sam Ehlinger will move up the depth chart to serve as the primary backup (No. 2) for the remainder of the playoffs.

Q: When and where is the next game?

A: The Broncos will host the AFC Championship Game at Empower Field at Mile High on Sunday, January 25, 2026. Kickoff is scheduled for 3:00 PM ET (1:00 PM MT).

Q: Who are the Broncos playing?

A: As the AFC’s No. 1 seed, the Broncos will host the winner of the Divisional Round matchup between the Houston Texans and the New England Patriots (playing today, Sunday, Jan 18).

Q: What is Jarrett Stidham’s experience level?

A: Stidham is a seventh-year veteran with 20 career appearances and 4 starts. While his regular-season stats include 1,422 yards, 8 touchdowns, and 8 interceptions, Sean Payton has expressed high confidence in him, noting that Stidham “is ready” and performed exceptionally well in the 2025 preseason (143.0 passer rating).