
The Denver Broncos are adjusting their roster as they prepare to face the New England Patriots in the AFC Championship Game Sunday. Denver advanced after a 33-30 overtime win over the Buffalo Bills, but that victory came with a significant cost
Quarterback Bo Nix suffered a broken right ankle late in overtime and will miss the remainder of the playoffs. Broncos head coach Sean Payton confirmed Nix will undergo surgery, ending his 2025 campaign and pushing backup Jarrett Stidham into his first start of the postseason. Nix had completed 26 of 46 passes for 279 yards, three touchdowns and one interception in that game.
Denver’s offense has been tested further by injuries beyond Nix, including the ongoing absence of running back J.K. Dobbins (foot), who has been ruled out for Sunday’s game. With skill-position depth limited, the Broncos have worked through a shortened rotation throughout the postseason.
On Saturday, the Broncos announced they have placed Bo Nix on injured reserve in a corresponding move, activated center Luke Wattenberg from injured reserve, and elevated wide receivers Michael Bandy and Elijah Moore from the practice squad ahead of Sunday’s game.
We've activated C Luke Wattenberg from IR and placed QB Bo Nix on IR.
— Denver Broncos (@Broncos) January 24, 2026
We also elevated WRs Michael Bandy and Elijah Moore for #NEvsDEN.
» https://t.co/yaqHJf5OP7 pic.twitter.com/E0xEqjY4CS
Wattenberg, returning from a left shoulder injury that sidelined him for several weeks, strengthens Denver’s interior offensive line and is expected to help protect Stidham and support the run game after three games out.
Bandy is a fourth-year receiver and punt returner who has appeared in multiple games for the Broncos, finishing the 2025 regular season with 12 receptions for 125 yards and one touchdown, and 118 return yards. Bandy provides depth at wideout and special teams flexibility.
Moore is a veteran pass catcher who posted 209 career receptions for 2,274 yards and nine touchdowns over 70 games before joining Denver’s practice squad this season. He recorded nine catches for 112 yards with the Buffalo Bills in 2025 prior to being waived and gives the Broncos a seasoned option with route-running experience.
With Nix sidelined, Denver’s offense will rely on Stidham and the supporting cast, including Courtland Sutton, Troy Franklin and Pat Bryant, along with the elevated receivers, in its effort to compete against the Patriots and advance to the Super Bowl.
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