When is Bo Nix coming back? How Broncos' QB injury impacts NFL Draft originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
The Denver Broncos lost the AFC Championship largely in part because Bo Nix got an incredibly unlucky ankle injury in the Divisional round. But the team is largely the same, and should still compete for a Super Bowl in 2026.
There is one major change: Jaylen Waddle is now in the wide receiver room. The Broncos spent the 30th overall pick on Waddle, landing a new top WR for Nix. Their first selection in the 2026 NFL Draft will be the 62nd pick in Round 2.
Leading up to the Broncos first pick, it's fair to wonder how Nix's recovery is going and whether there will be any impact on their draft plans due to some injury concern.
Those are the two big questions for Denver entering the draft, as their plans could drastically change if Nix's injury is more of a concern.
Nix, according to Broncos general manager George Paton, in speaking to 9News' Mike Klis, shared that Nix is ahead of schedule in his ankle recovery after surgery back in January.
Denver is expecting Nix to be good to go for the May offseason program, which is some good news for the Broncos and helps make their draft plans a bit clearer.
Nix should not only be back for the offseason program in May, but he's also looking like a return for the preseason is not in question, barring a surprise. Nix should be good to go for the regular season.
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If Nix's injury were a lot more severe, and there were concerns about his chances to play for the Broncos in the early part of the season, or even in the long-term, there might be more buzz about a quarterback being selected in this year's draft.
Of course, with a win-now team like Denver, signing a veteran would make more sense than trying out a rookie.
But, someone like Carson Beck, who has starting experience in college, including in playoff atmospheres, might've been an option in the mid-rounds for Denver.
However, with Nix looking like he's good to go, the Broncos draft plans on Day 2 and 3 of the 2026 NFL Draft will likely revolve around adding help to the tight end room, offensive line, and defense, with the interior defensive line a focus.
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