Denver Broncos Quarterback Bo Nix Returns from Ankle Surgery in Preseason Match

Denver Broncos starting quarterback Bo Nix returned to game action on Friday for the first time in eight months following two offseason ankle surgeries, throwing a touchdown pass during a brief appearance in a 33-13 preseason defeat to the Green Bay Packers in Denver.

Nix, who was held out of Denver’s first preseason contest against the Atlanta Falcons, was limited to a pre-planned workload by head coach Sean Payton. Payton had indicated earlier in the week that Nix would play approximately 14 snaps, a mark the quarterback reached across the team’s first two offensive drives.

In his 14 plays under center, Nix completed 6 of 9 passes for 76 yards and one touchdown. On Denver’s opening series, he connected on 3 of 4 pass attempts. The drive featured a 35-yard catch-and-run on third down by wide receiver Jaylen Waddle, marking Waddle’s first reception since joining the Broncos via a trade from the Miami Dolphins. Nix capped the drive with a 21-yard touchdown pass to running back RJ Harvey.

Reflecting on Waddle’s contribution after the game, Nix praised his new teammate, saying “he’s just a really great football player” who “adds a lot to our team.” Nix also highlighted Harvey’s effort on the scoring play, calling him “a special football player.”

Nix returned to lead Denver’s second offensive possession, directing a nine-play drive that concluded with a 53-yard field goal by kicker Wil Lutz. Following the kick, Denver substituted Nix out of the game in favor of secondary quarterback Jarrett Stidham. Quarterback Sam Ehlinger later handled duties in the fourth quarter, while most of Denver’s remaining starting players on offense and defense were also rested for the remainder of the evening.

Friday’s contest was the first game under the direction of new offensive coordinator Davis Webb, whom Payton recently promoted to handle play-calling responsibilities on game days. Nix described the new arrangement positively, remarking that the process was “very smooth” and allowed the team to “get in and out of the huddle.”

Speaking to reporters about his return to the field, Nix said he felt “excited, not really nervous” heading into the game, adding that he “knew it was just going to be a few plays and wanted to see the production.”

Background

American football teams in the National Football League (NFL) play a series of exhibition matches, known as the preseason, prior to the start of the regular season in September. These games allow coaches to evaluate roster depth, test tactical playbooks, and grant starting players game practice after the multi-month offseason.

Bo Nix suffered a fractured right ankle late in Denver’s playoff victory over the Buffalo Bills in January 2026. The injury forced him to miss the American Football Conference (AFC) Championship Game. To repair the fracture and clean up bone spurs, Nix underwent two surgical procedures during the offseason, including one in April. Although he was held out of full team drills during early offseason practice sessions, he resumed limited throwing in June and completed all scheduled practice snaps during training camp leading up to the preseason games.