Denver Broncos quarterback Bo Nix, who suffered a fractured right ankle late in the AFC divisional playoff win against the Buffalo Bills, is already focusing on the next season despite the setback. The injury occurred just minutes before Wil Lutz’s game-winning field goal, sidelining Nix during a critical point in Denver’s postseason run. As the team prepares for 2026, Nix aims to recover fully and help lead the Broncos’ offense moving forward amid significant offseason adjustments.
Nix said shortly after the Broncos’ narrow 10-7 loss to the New England Patriots in the AFC Championship Game,
“I’m excited for this offseason. [It’s] definitely not the way you want [a season] to end, but my sights are already on next year,”
adding,
“How I can be better, how I can lead the team better, and play better. … I’ll feel as good as new.”
Offseason Plans Shift as Broncos Focus on Healing and Offensive Revamp
The injury to Nix abruptly shifted the Broncos’ offseason agenda from a hopeful continuation of playoff success to a process of recovery and rebuilding. The team’s medical staff confirmed the fracture happened during a quarterback keeper late in the Buffalo game, which means Nix will face several weeks of rehabilitation. The Broncos now must balance getting their starting quarterback healthy with reshaping a struggling offense.
The young quarterback, soon to be 26, anticipates a recovery timeline of four to six weeks, which coincides with his original offseason training schedule. This timing should allow him to participate in the team’s offseason workouts and organized team activities planned for spring and early summer.
Major Changes in Offensive Coaching Staff Signal New Direction
The Broncos’ offense struggled during the AFC Championship, especially in snowy conditions where they managed just one first down and failed to gain more than 17 yards on any second-half drive. In response, head coach Sean Payton overhauled key offensive coaching positions. Offensive coordinator Joe Lombardi, who had worked with Payton for 15 years in Denver and New Orleans, was dismissed along with wide receivers coach Keary Colbert. Furthermore, veteran assistant Pete Carmichael left for an offensive coordinator role elsewhere.
Payton now faces the challenge of retooling an offense that struggled with consistency and failed to generate enough explosive plays last season. The Broncos recorded the fourth-highest percentage of three-and-out drives in the NFL at 25 percent. Wide receiver Courtland Sutton was the only team member to rank among the top 50 league leaders in receptions of 10 or more yards, underscoring the need for offensive improvement.
Promoting Davis Webb and Adjusting Offensive Playcalling
To address these issues, Payton promoted Davis Webb from quarterbacks coach and offensive pass game coordinator to offensive coordinator. In tandem, Logan Kilgore was elevated to quarterbacks coach. Nix praised Webb as an “awesome coach,” raising questions about whether Payton might delegate playcalling duties for the first time in his coaching career, which dates back to 2006 with the Saints. Payton’s continued frustration with offensive performance, particularly in the running game, highlights the need for innovation this offseason.
Ben DiNucci, recently added to the practice squad following Nix’s injury, voiced his support for Webb’s role, calling it
“the best thing possible for that building.”
Opportunities for Tight Ends to Enhance Offensive Impact
Among Denver’s offensive players, tight end Evan Engram sees potential for the position to contribute more significantly in 2026. Engram, the Broncos’ top offensive free agent acquisition a year prior, ended the season with 50 receptions, 461 yards, and one touchdown but struggled with consistency, recording two or fewer receptions in eight games. The tight end group accounted for just three touchdowns collectively.
Engram reflected on the unit’s untapped potential, saying,
“I do think the tight end position can bring a lot more than it did this year, honestly, even speaking for the other guys in the room,”
and added,
“There’s a lot more we honestly could have helped with.”
Sean Payton Emphasizes Team Reset Across NFL After Season Ends
Payton captured the broader NFL reality after Denver’s elimination, stating,
“We go back to the start of the race,”
and continued,
“Thirty-two teams have to go back and go meet their parents, eat their oranges and get ready to start again. That’s really important.”
This reflects the mindset required as teams undertake offseason rebuilds, coaching changes, and roster evaluations.
For the Broncos, this reset means focusing on Nix’s recovery, solidifying the quarterback room, and revitalizing an offense that fell short of expectations despite the talent on the roster.
Bo Nix Committed to Recovery and Supporting Coaching Decisions
Though facing a setback, Nix remains determined to prepare physically and stay focused as coaching and strategic decisions unfold in the offseason. He plans to give himself the necessary rest, stating,
“I was going to give myself some time off anyway and this sort of makes me take that time off; I won’t be able to scratch the itch and get out there too early,”
adding,
“This will settle me down. … It’s nothing that really concerns me, nothing that really scares me moving forward.”
While Payton evaluates the playbook and who will handle playcalling duties, Nix intends to “stay in my lane,” prioritizing his rehabilitation and readiness for spring workouts.
Looking Ahead: Rebuilding for a Stronger 2026 NFL Campaign
The Denver Broncos enter 2026 with significant hurdles, including healing from injuries, reconfiguring coaching roles, and addressing offensive shortcomings that limited their playoff drive. With Payton’s leadership and the promotion of Webb, the Broncos hope to restore offensive efficiency and capitalize on emerging talent like Sutton and Engram. Nix’s recovery timeline offers a positive outlook for stability at quarterback heading into the offseason programs, which will be crucial for building momentum ahead of training camp.
How effectively the Broncos respond to these Denver Broncos offseason challenges remains a critical factor in determining their competitiveness in the highly contested AFC next year. Fans and analysts alike will be watching closely as the team works to translate its raw potential into consistent production on the field.
Couple things…
1. Davis promoted to OC is best thing possible for that building… have to assume Sean is going to give up play calling now
2. Not sure if I would rather be cut or have my contract expire 🤣
3. No airport beers this time – I live in denver https://t.co/tblYIT628H
— Ben DiNucci (@B_DiNucci6) February 3, 2026
