Broncos Facing Bo Nix Decision Before Patriots Game

After starting the first 15 games of the season, center Luke Wattenberg went on injured reserve because of a shoulder injury in Denver's 20-13 win over the Kansas City Chiefs on Christmas Day. Against the Bills, the Broncos got down to third-string center Sam Mustipher after an injury to backup Alex Forsyth, who is questionable against the Patriots.

This week, the Broncos designated Wattenberg to return from IR and he was a full participant in practice. Wattenberg's possible return would represent a massive upgrade on the offensive line and help ease the transition for backup quarterback Jarrett Stidham, who is making his first NFL start since 2023. There is one step left before Wattenberg can join the team for the AFC championship.

"Center Luke Wattenberg, who was designated for return from IR this week, was a full participant for the third consecutive day," the Broncos announced in Friday's official injury report. "He was listed as questionable for the game and would need to be activated from IR in order to play on Sunday."

In order to make room for Wattenberg, the Broncos will have to make a decision on who to remove from their 53-man gameday roster. Placing Nix on injured reserve appears to be the obvious solution, considering the Broncos already ruled him out for the season, even if they make the Super Bowl.

If the Broncos decide not to place Nix on IR, they would have to sacrifice another player who could potentially have an impact on the game. Of the four players who have been ruled out against the Patriots, Nix is the only one who has not yet been put on injured reserve.

We will learn the Broncos' choice on Saturday when injured reserve designations are made. Placing Nix on IR would not cost them much, but getting a healthy Wattenberg back would be a major boost.

The Broncos-Patriots game kicks off from Empower Field at Mile High at 3 p.m. ET on CBS. The winner will face either the Seattle Seahawks or the Los Angeles Rams in Super Bowl LX.