Denver Broncos fans can breathe a sigh of relief: quarterback Bo Nix is on track to return to the field this summer, albeit with a cautious approach from the coaching staff. Head coach Sean Payton confirmed Saturday that Nix is expected to be a limited participant during the team's June minicamp, with a full-speed return slated for training camp in July.

"There's a good chance we see him in this offseason program in June," Payton said during the team's rookie minicamp. "We're going to be the ones kind of holding back, if you will. … We feel real good about where he's at."

Nix, who led the Broncos to the AFC Divisional Round last season, fractured his right ankle during the team's playoff victory over the Buffalo Bills. The injury required a follow-up procedure just days before last month's NFL Draft—a move Payton described as "not a surprise" and part of the planned recovery process.

"You guys will have a chance to see it here in a few weeks. Clearly full speed by training camp," Payton added. "We just want to be smart relative about holding him back a little [during OTAs and minicamp]."

The Broncos' offseason schedule kicks off with OTAs from June 2-4 and June 8-11, followed by mandatory minicamp from June 16-18. While Nix will be on the field, expect the team to limit his workload as they prioritize his long-term health over short-term reps.

"He's going to want to push that earlier, but we'll be smart," Payton emphasized.

For a quarterback coming off a breakout season and a significant playoff run, this measured approach makes sense. Nix's recovery timeline suggests he'll be ready to hit the ground running when training camp opens, which is exactly what Broncos Country wants to hear.