Earlier this week, Denver Broncos QB Bo Nix had ankle clean-up surgery.
That was a big change from the original aim, which was a check-up on the ankle.
Is the Broncos quarterback’s health a concern heading into the 2026 season? It seems so.
Denver Broncos Bo Nix has ankle clean-up surgery
Nix lit the Buffalo Bills on fire in the Divisional Round win, outplaying Josh Allen by far.
Then it happened. We all got word that Nix’s ankle was broken and he was done for the year.
That was devastating news for Denver. They lost the AFC Championship Game in which the defense injured Drake Maye, and the Broncos lost because they had to start backup Jarrett Stidham at quarterback.
The bad news was that Nix sustained his first major injury of his NFL career.
The good news was that it was a 12 week recovery time.
Now,12 weeks on and Nix’s doctor had to perform a clean-up surgery to his injured ankle.
Last week, Nix met with his doctor for a regularly scheduled and planned check-up. That’s much different than a clean-up procedure.
What it sounds like, as Troy Renck explains below, is that the doctor checked on the ankle and realized it needed extra surgery.
After the news of Bo Nix’s ankle clean-up, national reporters came out and explained that was planned, too. But that seems like some after-the-fact spin.
It was a check-up that turned into a clean-up. Yes, these clean-up procedures are common, but this one seems unexpected.
Nix will likely miss spring work, supposed to be ready by training camp
Having this clean-up surgery means he won’t be able to practice with his teammates in May.
It’s a setback considering he was walking around The Masters three weeks ago with Drake Maye and reportedly looked great.
Currently, the Broncos voluntary OTAs are in early June. It seems he will either miss those, or practice less than he would have.
It’s a somewhat small deal, and yet every rep with his receivers and tight ends, including rookie Justin Joly, help improve their chemistry together.
The good news is he is still on track to be practicing in July when training camp kicks off, and Bo Nix is still expected to be ready to go when the season kicks off in September.
But now Broncos Country has a reason to hold their breath any time he’s sacked—which is very rare—or takes off and runs.
Dual-threat quarterbacks are the name of the game these days. From Patrick Mahomes to Josh Allen to Nix; being able to make plays with both your legs and arm puts a ton of pressure on defenses.
But all three of those aforementioned mobile quarterbacks dealt with injuries to their lower bodies, and each needed surgeries this offseason.
That’s the risk when you run a lot. But, it’s also how teams win football games in this day and age.
Denver will be hopeful not only that Nix can play when the season kicks off, but that he can stay healthy and lead the Broncos to a third straight playoff appearance.