In DENVER — The elation following the Denver Broncos’ victory in overtime against the Buffalo Bills was short-lived.
Considerable time after the match concluded, Broncos head coach Sean Payton returned to the press conference area to disclose that their quarterback, Bo Nix, sustained a fractured ankle bone during the game’s penultimate snap, necessitating season-ending ankle surgery scheduled for Tuesday. Jarrett Stidham is now slated to be the starting quarterback for the AFC championship match, and potentially the Super Bowl, should the Broncos progress.
“We are prepared to confront the upcoming challenge and move forward accordingly,” Payton stated.
Payton expressed his desire to inform his squad of the development initially, but decided to return to the media briefing to make the injury public, explaining that the likelihood of such information remaining confidential until his meeting with the team on Monday was “non-existent.”
Stidham has participated as a starter in four professional football games throughout his career, with his most recent starts being two appearances for the Broncos in the 2023 season. Payton conveyed his trust in his reserve player assuming the primary quarterback role for the remainder of the postseason.
“He is prepared,” Payton declared. “My sentiment expressed prior to the season was that I possess a secondary option who possesses the capability to be a starter for multiple franchises. Be advised. Simply observe.”
Nix, in his sophomore year within the National Football League, contributed to the Broncos’ thrilling 33-30 victory in overtime against the Bills on Saturday. He accumulated 279 passing yards and three scoring throws. The Broncos concluded the regular season with a 14-3 record with Nix guiding the offense and surpassed the Bills to secure their spot in the AFC championship game for the first time since the 2015 campaign; however, they must now rely on Stidham, who has not completed a pass in game action over the past two seasons.
“They will experience dismay,” Payton remarked. “A wide range of feelings will emerge. Subsequently, the process of re-centering will commence.”
