Injury Update on Bo Nix
ENGLEWOOD, Colo. (AP) — In his season-ending news conference on Tuesday, Broncos head coach Sean Payton revealed that quarterback Bo Nix had a preexisting ankle issue, which made a fracture likely.
Nix sustained a broken bone in his right ankle during the game-winning drive in Denver’s 33-30 overtime victory against the Buffalo Bills in the divisional playoffs.
Last week, he traveled to Birmingham, Alabama, where Dr. Norman E. Waldrop III, a specialist in foot and ankle surgery at the Andrews Sports Medicine and Orthopedic Center, performed the operation.
Recovery and Future Prospects
Nix watched from a suite during Denver’s recent 10-7 loss to the New England Patriots in the AFC championship game. Payton emphasized that Nix’s injury was exacerbated by a preexisting condition, making the fracture a question of “when,” not “if.”
“The condition was predisposed; they often discover more once inside,” said Payton. “The surgeon indicated this injury was going to occur sooner rather than later, so now we focus on rehabilitation and proper orthotics,” he added.
Player’s Resilience
Despite Nix’s history of ankle surgeries dating back to high school, Payton expressed no concerns about his future health. “He’s dedicated to rehabilitation and getting back to full health,” Payton said. “For someone who frequently runs with the ball, he’s managed to protect himself fairly well.”
General manager George Paton indicated that Nix is on track to return in May for organized team activities.
Coaching Changes
Additionally, Payton announced the firing of offensive coordinator Joe Lombardi, along with wide receivers coach Keary Colbert and cornerbacks coach Addison Lynch. Lombardi and Payton had a long history of working together over 15 years.
Fourth-down Regrets
Payton also expressed regret over a fourth-and-1 play call against New England, opting to go for it rather than attempting a field goal. “What bothers me more is the execution of the call rather than the decision to go for it,” he noted, reflecting on the play as a turning point in the game.
Salary Cap Strategy
The Broncos are set to recover from the record $85 million in dead cap charges from releasing Russell Wilson, which includes a $53 million hit in 2024 and $32 million in 2025. With the new $175 million training facility, the team aims to be active in free agency.
“With more resources, we can enhance our team, similar to decorating a home with a larger budget,” Payton remarked on the advantages of their financial position. Paton added that players will be attracted to Denver due to the supportive ownership and the presence of a strong quarterback.
