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Broncos Announce Good News Before Patriots Game
Ron Chenoy-Imagn Images

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 Broncos quarterback Bo Nix (10) Isaiah J. Downing-Imagn Images

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.

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.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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