Insider updates Bo Nix's recovery timeline

The Denver Broncos will be without their most important player in the biggest game of the season. When can they expect him back?

Bo Nix broke his ankle in Denver's overtime win over the Buffalo Bills. He'll miss the AFC Championship Game vs. the New England Patriots.

According to ESPN insider Adam Schefter, he's facing a "challenging" recovery, and there's no realistic way he could return for an eventual Super Bowl trip.

Nix, however, is expected to make a full recovery after 12 weeks, although he cannot put any weight on his foot for the next month. 

Bo Nix will be ready for the offseason program

"Denver Broncos quarterback Bo Nix, who is out for Sunday's AFC Championship Game against the New England Patriots, is expected to be sidelined 12 weeks after undergoing surgery last week on his broken right ankle," wrote Schefter. 

Nix has a history of broken ankles. Nevertheless, the Broncos' medical staff and doctors are confident that this shouldn't be a lingering or long-term issue for him.

"This marks the third time that Nix has broken his ankle playing football, but this break was in a different spot and doctors have told him that the injury is 'nothing to be concerned about long term,'" the insider added.

The Broncos will turn to former Patriots draft pick Jarrett Stidham to replace Nix. He's not as mobile as the Oregon product, but he drew rave reviews in his predraft process for his arm strength and talent.

Stidham will have a chance to end his former team's season and lead the Broncos back to the final game of the year for the first time since the Peyton Manning era.

And, while it's highly unlikely that he can challenge Nix for a starting spot next season, he might be auditioning for a handful of teams when he takes the field on Sunday.