Sean Payton Revises Bo Nix Recovery Timeline Ahead of Broncos Training Camp.
The Denver Broncos may get quarterback Bo Nix back on the field sooner than expected.
Speaking during rookie minicamp on Saturday, Broncos head coach Sean Payton offered a more optimistic outlook on Nix’s recovery from the fractured ankle he suffered during Denver’s AFC Divisional Round victory over the Buffalo Bills in January. The injury, which occurred late in overtime, required multiple surgeries and initially carried a short recovery estimate. However, reports in late April suggested a follow-up procedure could sideline Nix until the start of training camp in July. Payton indicated the quarterback’s return may arrive earlier than that. “I’m sure you’ll see him,” Payton said regarding offseason work. “Minicamp. He’ll be full speed throwing in July before we get back here for training camp.” The comments mark another shift in the public timeline surrounding Nix’s rehab, though recent reports suggest the organization remains confident he will be fully available well before the regular season. NFL insider James Palmer reported there is “a good chance” Nix participates in June activities, adding that the additional procedure was planned and not considered a setback. According to Palmer, Denver expects the second-year quarterback to be fully healthy ahead of camp. It was also reported that Payton is “very confident” Nix could return by organized team activities, while 9News Denver insider Mike Klis stated the Broncos plan to ease Nix back into work during OTAs and minicamp before clearing him fully for training camp. Despite the encouraging updates, communication surrounding the injury has created some confusion throughout the offseason. Payton previously suggested the ankle issue may have been connected to a preexisting condition, comments Nix later pushed back against publicly.
“Nothing predisposed, nothing that was there originally,” Nix said when addressing the speculation. “Just a simple step with my foot up in the air, my body weight came down on it, sort of got twisted up.” Nix also appeared frustrated by the public discussion of his medical history. “I don’t think (Payton) should share how many surgeries I’ve had in the past, to be honest with you,” Nix said. “He doesn’t even really know that.” Still, the young quarterback emphasized he has no concerns about his long-term recovery and remains focused on returning to work with the team as quickly as possible. Denver is expected to continue monitoring Nix carefully throughout offseason workouts, but all signs now point toward him being ready well before the Broncos open training camp this summer.
