The Denver Broncos began their first set of OTA practices this week, and today was their first practice session open to the media. As expected, starting quarterback Bo Nix did not participate after undergoing surgery on his broken ankle that he suffered during the Broncos’ Divisional Round victory over the Buffalo Bills. He would later undergo a second follow-up procedure but was expected to be ready for the start of training camp.
However, we learned today from Head Coach Sean Payton that Bo Nix is expected to be back and participate in two weeks during the Broncos’ minicamp practices.
Reports indicated that Bo Nix would be ready “well ahead” of the start of training camp, and this news seems to confirm that. Nix has been throwing, per Payton, and media members noted that Nix was walking around without a brace or limp and looked fine, and was actively talking to the offensive players as well.
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After some offseason concern over Nix, it appears that he is nearing 100% and will be back on the practice field here in two short weeks. This is great news as it gets Nix some reps before the start of training camp, and he can work on his chemistry with the Broncos’ big offseason addition, wide receiver Jaylen Waddle.
All eyes will be on his ankle and how he is looking out there, but all signs seem to point to his recovery going well, and we shouldn’t have to worry about his ankle moving forward. This is great news because the Broncos are Super Bowl or bust this season. They made it to the AFC Championship Game last season, and likely would have advanced to the Super Bowl if Nix were healthy. They need Nix healthy and performing at a high level if they want to reach their ultimate goal, and he will be tested early on due to a tough schedule. So, the earlier they can get Nix back and healthy, the better it will be for them moving forward.
Until then, backups Jarrett Stidham and Sam Ehlinger will be the Broncos quarterbacks, and the two players could be competing for the Broncos backup quarterback position behind Nix. Stidham has been the Broncos backup the past few seasons, but they have also been impressed with Ehlinger, and he reportedly looked good today. So, this could be something to watch as we progress through the OTAs and minicamp and into training camp and the preseason.
