Is Broncos Quarterback Playing Today vs. Patriots?

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The Denver Broncos will be without Bo Nix for the remainder of the season.

As the Denver Broncos host the New England Patriots in the AFC Championship, all eyes are on the team’s starting quarterback. Bo Nix sustained an ankle injury in the closing minutes of the Broncos’ win over the Buffalo Bills in the divisional round of the NFL playoffs.

Unfortunately, Nix will not play today against the Patriots in the AFC Championship. Instead, the Broncos will start veteran Jarrett Stidham at quarterback.

Sam Ehilinger moves up from the emergency signal-caller to the team’s backup quarterback in Nix’s absence. Nix is sidelined for the remainder of Denver’s season and would not play in the Super Bowl, even if Denver tops New England.

All signs point to Stidham being the Broncos starting quarterback for the remainder of the season.

Here’s what you need to know about Nix’s injury.

Bo Nix’s Injury: Here’s What Happened to the Broncos QB & Potential Return Timeline

Broncos head coach Sean Payton revealed that Nix sustained the injury on the second to last offensive play during Denver’s win over Buffalo. ESPN’s Adam Schefter reported that Nix’s return timeline in 12 weeks, which cements his status as out, even if the Broncos reach the Super Bowl.

“Denver Broncos quarterback Bo Nix, who is out for Sunday’s AFC Championship game against the New England Patriots, is expected to be sidelined 12 weeks after undergoing surgery last week on his broken right ankle, sources told ESPN,” Schefter detailed in a January 25, 2026, story titled, “Sources: Broncos’ Bo Nix sidelined 12 weeks after ankle surgery.”

“The recovery, not the surgery, is thought to be the most challenging part of this injury. Nix is not supposed to put any weight on his ankle for at least four weeks, and he will miss 12 weeks altogether before he can return to activity, according to sources.”

Will Bo Nix Play in the Super Bowl if the Broncos Defeat the Patriots in the AFC Championship?

Nix will not play in the AFC Championship or the Super Bowl (if Denver advances), but it is not all bad news. If Schefter’s timeline comes to fruition, Nix will be more than ready for the start of next NFL season.

This also means Nix should be healthy for Denver’s offseason workouts. Stidham is expected to serve as Denver’s starting quarterback for the remainder of the season. Broncos fans hope this also means the Super Bowl.

Jarrett Stidham Is the Broncos Starting Quarterback With Sam Ehilinger as Denver’s Backup QB

It is surprising news as Nix was not sidelined during the Broncos’ win over the Bills. Nix participated in a postgame interview, and Payton also conducted his normal press conference.

Minutes later, Payton called an impromptu second press conference revealing that Nix sustained a season-ending injury and named Stidham the starter moving forward.

“I know how he was coached in New England,” Payton said of Stidham, per ESPN. “I know exactly how he was coached in New England.

“And then I know how [Patriots offensive coordinator Josh] McDaniels felt about him … but ultimately … it’s our three years here, our three years watching him day in and day out. He will be ready to go.”

Jonathan Adams is a veteran sports contributor covering the NFL, NBA and golf for Heavy.com. His work has been prominently featured on NFL.com, Yahoo Sports, Pro Football Talk, CBS Sports, Bleacher Report and Sports Illustrated. More about Jonathan Adams