Peyton Manning. Ron Chenoy-Imagn Images

Bo Nix's injury news left former Broncos QB Peyton Manning in disbelief

By Clark Dalton | Last updated Jan 19, 2026 8:36 AM ET

When news broke that Denver Broncos quarterback Bo Nix suffered a season-ending ankle injury Saturday, Peyton Manning thought the update might have been fake.

"Is this a hoax?" Manning texted a team official after the team announced Nix's injury following a 33-30 overtime win over the Buffalo Bills in the AFC divisional round, via NFL Media insider Ian Rapoport.

Like many stunned Denver fans, the former Broncos/Indianapolis Colts QB soon realized it was real. And now the team's hopes of winning its first Super Bowl since Manning's last season in 2015 could be in jeopardy.

How did Bo Nix suffer injury?

Nix broke a bone in his right ankle on a designed run on a 1st-and-10 at Buffalo's 36-yard line with 6:04 remaining in overtime. The QB, who was tackled for a two-yard loss, jumped back up but limped after the play.

He then threw an incomplete pass intended for wide receiver Marvin Mims Jr., but Bills cornerback Tre'Davious White was flagged for pass interference. On the following play, the QB took a knee at Buffalo's eight-yard line and grimaced while walking off the field, per ESPN's Jeff Legwold. He finished 26-of-46 passing for 279 yards, three touchdown passes and one interception. He also rushed for 29 yards on 12 carries.

From @NFLGameDay Morning: The #Broncos lost Bo Nix for the playoffs, news so crazy that Peyton Manning initially wondered if it was a hoax. pic.twitter.com/JiHtbepAII
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) January 18, 2026

Who will replace Bo Nix?

After Broncos head coach Sean Payton confirmed Nix injured his ankle, he said backup QB Jarrett Stidham is set to start in the AFC Championship Game next Sunday at 3 p.m. ET (CBS). The 29-year-old passer could be rusty in that matchup.

Stidham, a 2019 fourth-round pick, has played for Denver for three seasons but last started in 2023 after the Broncos benched former QB Russell Wilson. The former Auburn Tigers star went 1-1 as a starter, completing 40-of-66 passes for 496 yards, two TD passes and one interception.

Stidham hasn't attempted a pass in a regular-season game since then, but Payton remains confident in the QB.

"I said this at the beginning of the season, I feel like I've got a [No. 2 QB] who's capable of starting for a handful of teams," Payton said. "I know he feels the same way. So, watch out. Just watch."

“I’ve got a 2 that’s capable of starting for a number of teams… watch out”

Sean Payton’s message to the NFL about Jarrett Stidham ️ pic.twitter.com/IIOqR5Ntav
— DNVR Broncos (@DNVR_Broncos) January 18, 2026

The Broncos last hosted the AFC Championship Game during Manning's final season when he piloted the team to a 20-18 win over the New England Patriots. Stidham should consider contacting the Pro Football Hall of Famer for some pointers.

Clark Dalton

Dalton is a 2022 journalism graduate of the University of Texas at Austin. He gained experience in sports media over the past seven years — from live broadcasting and creating short films to podcasting and producing. In college, he wrote for The Daily Texan. He loves sports and enjoys hiking, kayaking and camping.

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