Sean Payton Confident Bo Nix Will Be Full Speed by Camp

Broncos head coach Sean Payton is confident that quarterback Bo Nix is on course to recover in time for the mandatory camp to start

Sean Payton Confident Bo Nix Will Be Full Speed by Camp

Sean Payton and Bo Nix (Image via IMAGO)

In Short
  • Sean Payton is optimistic about Bo Nix's recovery, expecting him to be full speed by training camp.
  • Nix's ankle injury significantly impacted the Broncos' playoff performance last season.
  • Denver bolstered their offense by trading for Pro Bowl receiver Jalen Waddle and drafting multiple players.

An ankle injury ended Bo Nix’s 2025 campaign. The Denver Broncos quarterback finished the season with the most passes attempted (612), 3931 yards, 30 total touchdowns, and 11 picks.

Nix received a 75.2 on the Pro Football Focus metric. All of these point to how much the Broncos relied on the Auburn and Oregon alum.

Nix’s injury derailed the Broncos’ season. After winning the AFC West ahead of the Kansas City Chiefs for over a decade, they were seen as the team to beat. Denver took down the high-flying Buffalo Bills in the divisional round to set up a big showdown against the New England Patriots for AFC glory.

However, Nix missed the game, and the Broncos’ offense never looked the same without him. Broncos head coach Sean Payton provided a positive update on Nix’s health following Saturday’s rookie minicamp.

We feel real good about where [Bo Nix is] at. You guys will have a chance to see it here in a few weeks. Clearly, full speed by training camp. We just want to be smart relative to holding him back a little.

Sean Payton said

Late in the fourth quarter of the divisional round, Nix juked a Bills player and, in doing so, hurt his ankle. Denver won the game, but the smiles quickly evaporated when Payton announced the bad news about Nix’s injury. The 26-year-old said that it “was some of the most devastating news I’ve ever received.”

With Nix out of the picture, Denver relied on backup Jarrett Stidham, who hadn’t played a single regular-season snap all year. Stidham threw for 133 yards, one touchdown, and a pick in a 10-7 slugfest.

RELATED
Dianna Russini Accused of Intimate Ties to Multiple NFL Coaches, Including Sean McVay, Bill Belichick, Amid Growing Mike Vrabel Drama

Will Bo Nix be available for the Broncos’ OTAs?

Nix recently completed the second procedure of his rehab. With the mandatory part of the off-season training camp around the corner, his availability will be a big bonus for the Broncos.

Sean Payton Confident Bo Nix Will Be Full Speed by Camp
Denver Broncos quarterback Bo Nix (Image via IMAGO)

Payton is confident that his last year’s starting AB will be able to take some reps at the camp.

He’ll be well ahead of time for training camp. We’re going to be the ones kind of holding him back if you will… You’ll see him probably in [the mandatory] minicamp — probably. He’ll be full speed throwing, everything, in July before we get back here. He’s doing good.

Payton said

Nix set several records in his first two years in the league. He matched Russell Wilson’s 24 wins to start their league career. Nix recorded the most game-winning drives by a QB in their first two seasons with 10 (tied with Andrew Luck). He set the record for the most comeback wins in a season by a QB with 12.

The Broncos added firepower to the offense to help Nix

Denver made one of the biggest summer additions this year. They traded for Pro Bowl wide receiver Jalen Waddle, along with a 2026 fourth-round pick, in exchange for their 2026 first-round, a third-round pick, and a fourth-round pick.

Denver drafted Washington running back Jonah Coleman, NC State tight end Justin Joly, Houston tight end Dallen Bentley, and Boise State offensive lineman Kage Casey.

That’s not all. After the draft, Denver dived into the undrafted free agent market to pick up some much-needed wide receiver depth. The Broncos signed TCU WR Joseph Manjack, Nebraska WR Dane Key, Virginia WR Cam Ross, and Northern Arizona WR Kolbe Katsis.

As Denver boasts a top-three defense, they had free rein to pick up as much offensive help as possible. Of course, 90% of them will be cut before the 53-man roster deadline, but it gives Payton options to work with.

Also Read: