The Denver Broncos are facing more than the disappointment of an AFC Championship loss to the New England Patriots. Quarterback Bo Nix suffered a fractured right ankle late in Denver’s overtime win against the Buffalo Bills in the Divisional Round, and he remains in the early stages of his recovery. Will Nix be ready for the start of the 2026 season?
Doctor Says Bo Nix Has a ‘Very Good Probability’ To Be Ready for 2026 Opener
The early medical outlook is positive. Although he does not treat Broncos players, Dr. Sanjit R. Konda of NYU Langone Health told PFSN that there is a “very good probability” Nix will be ready for the start of the 2026 season based on the typical recovery timeline for this type of injury.
“An isolated fracture usually heals in six to eight weeks,” Dr. Konda said. “Associated ligamentous injury can take three to four months to heal. Since the start of the 2026 season is the first week of September, then he should be ready to go full speed at the start of the season, barring any complications.”
Nix sustained the injury on the final series of Denver’s Divisional Round victory, breaking a bone in his right ankle while scrambling late in regulation. He remained in the game long enough to help set up the winning field goal before being ruled out for the remainder of the postseason. Backup quarterback Jarrett Stidham started the AFC Championship Game against New England and struggled in the 10-7 loss.
From a medical perspective, the recovery process is structured and predictable for an injury of this type.
“The typical recovery timeline is as follows: The fracture usually heals in about six to eight weeks, [and the] ligamentous injury heals in three to four months,” Dr. Konda said. “Usually there’s a period of non-weight bearing for two to six weeks from the time of surgery.”
Once Nix can start to put weight on his ankle, Dr. Konda said progress tends to accelerate.
“Then you graduate to weight-bearing with ankle strengthening starting around the four-to-six-week mark,” Dr. Konda said. “Impact activities usually start around eight-to-12 weeks. Return to sport is anywhere from three to six months from the time of surgery.”
That window should place Nix on track to participate in offseason activities and training camp. Several variables could influence the timeline. Dr. Konda identified associated ligament damage as the most common factor that can slow recovery.
“If he has an associated ligamentous injury with his fracture, recovery can be delayed, as ligaments usually take longer, around three months, to heal,” Konda said.
Cartilage damage discovered during surgery can also complicate the process. Nix had surgery the day after the injury.
“Early and aggressive physical therapy can improve ankle proprioception and strength,” Dr. Konda added. “A delay to physical therapy can lead to ankle stiffness and weakness.”
Nix has previously dealt with a similar injury earlier in his career.
Denver should be in a position to contend once again next season, but the Broncos will need Nix healthy in order to realize their full potential.
