Broncos QB Bo Nix looks strong in return from ankle injury

Denver Broncos quarterback Bo Nix. IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect

Broncos QB Bo Nix looks strong in return from ankle injury

By Adam Gretz | Last updated Aug 21, 2026 11:45 PM ET

The last time the Denver Broncos saw starting quarterback Bo Nix on the field, they watched him lead the team to a massive divisional-round playoff win, only to find out after the game that he broke his ankle, ending his season. That injury kept him out of the AFC Championship Game, cost them a legitimate chance to reach the Super Bowl (and perhaps win it), and left his availability for the start of the 2026 season in some jeopardy.

In what was sure to be a pleasant sign for the Broncos and their fans, he was back on the field on Friday night in their preseason game against the Green Bay Packers and gave the team and its fans something to be excited about.

Broncos QB Bo Nix looks strong in return

Nix made his 2026 season debut on Friday, completing 6-of-9 passes for 76 yards and a touchdown, while also leading another scoring drive.

His touchdown was a 21-yard strike to RJ Harvey on Denver's opening series.

Our first TD at @EmpowerField this preseason

: 9NEWS pic.twitter.com/DGInjQAWXd
— Denver Broncos (@Broncos) August 22, 2026

That is a beautiful pass and a perfectly placed ball for the score.

Expectations are going to be sky-high for the Broncos going into this season, and they should be considered a serious Super Bowl contender.

They already have the defense, they added star wide receiver Jaylen Waddle over the summer, and now they have their quarterback healthy and in the lineup. Given how good the supporting cast is, they do not need Nix to play like a truly elite quarterback to have a chance. They just need him to be what he has been the past two years, and keep taking steps forward in his development.

He completed 63.4% of his passes in 2025, while also throwing for 3,931 yards, 25 touchdowns and 11 interceptions. He also added another 356 yards rushing and five rushing touchdowns.

He has helped lead the Broncos to the playoffs in each of his first two seasons. He had them right on the threshold of the Super Bowl a year ago. This could be the year he gets them through.

Adam Gretz

Adam Gretz is a freelance writer based in Pittsburgh. He covers the NHL, NFL, MLB and NBA. Baseball is his favorite sport -- he is nearly halfway through his goal of seeing a game in every MLB ballpark. Catch him on X @AGretz

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