The Denver Broncos will play against the Atlanta Falcons on Friday for their preseason opener at Mercedes-Benz Stadium. Head coach Sean Payton announced that franchise quarterback Bo Nix will not participate. Payton stated, “Expecting our starters to play around 15 plays. Bo won’t play in this game. He’ll play next week.”
Nix underwent offseason surgery on his right ankle, an injury that caused him to miss the AFC Championship Game, leading to the Broncos’ defeat. The team is, therefore, opting for a cautious approach, particularly in the first preseason game.
With Nix’s absence, a critical position battle emerges as the focus: the backup quarterback race. Jarrett Stidham and Sam Ehlinger have a significant opportunity to showcase their skills. Sean Payton revealed after Wednesday’s practice that both will play a half against the Falcons, with Stidham expected to start.
The backup quarterback role holds crucial importance for any contending team, doubly so for the Broncos. Last season, Nix propelled Denver to a 14-3 record, securing the AFC’s top seed. The team’s prospects of a Super Bowl appearance were high until Nix’s ankle injury during the divisional-round win over Buffalo. This forced his absence from the AFC Championship Game, where Stidham struggled, completing 17 of 31 passes for 133 yards, with one touchdown, one interception, and a lost fumble.
A healthy Nix or a more seasoned backup might have altered the outcome of that game, and possibly the Super Bowl itself.
This season, the Broncos retain 20 of their 22 starters in both offense and defense, a roster well-positioned to mimic the previous year’s performance. Yet, should Nix suffer another injury, the team could face challenges, underscoring the need to resolve the backup quarterback position before the season starts.
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