DENVER (KDVR) — Denver Broncos quarterback Bo Nix is out for the rest of the season after breaking his right ankle during Saturday’s playoff win, according to head coach Sean Payton.
On Saturday evening, during a press conference after the Denver Broncos beat the Bills during overtime, 33-30, Payton said that during the second-to-last play of overtime Nix fractured a bone in his right ankle.
Payton said that Nix is scheduled to have surgery on Tuesday, and will be out for the rest of the season.
Payton spoke about his conversation with Nix after finding out the quarterback would not return for the remaining season.
“And I said, listen, I believe you’re the second quarterback in year two to take your team to a championship game. And the first is Mahomes,” said Payton. “And this team all year, has lost key players. And we’ll rise up for the next challenge, and we’ll go from there.”
Payton also talked about how the team may react to Nix’s season-ending surgery.
“So look, they’ll be disappointed. There’ll be a lot of emotions, and then the refocus takes place. But we celebrate the season for him,” said Payton. “And listen, this city’s ready. And we’ll be ready for the next challenge.”
Broncos’ backup quarterback Jarrett Stidham will start the AFC Championship game in place of injured Nix, and that “he’s ready,” said Payton.
The Broncos will play either New England or Houston during the AFC Championship game at Empower Field at Mile High on Sunday.