Denver Broncos owner Greg Penner has revealed quarterback Bo Nix is 'ahead of schedule' following the ankle injury he suffered during the AFC Playoffs earlier this year
06:19 ET, 31 Mar 2026
Bo Nix is expected to be full-go for OTA following his ankle injury
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Bo Nix is expected to be full-go for OTA following his ankle injury(Image: Getty Images)
Denver Broncos owner Greg Penner has confirmed quarterback Bo Nix is "ahead of schedule" in his recovery, just months after he had ankle surgery following a season-ending injury.
This week, the NFL's Annual League Meeting is taking place in Phoenix, with New England Patriots owner Robert Kraft backing an 18-game NFL season, which has divided opinion across the league. The Cleveland Browns also had a rule change dismissed, with Los Angeles Rams head coach Sean McVay slapping it down, while the Seattle Seahawks are set to be this year's team to appear on 'Hard Knocks'.
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The Annual League Meeting represents the perfect opportunity to ask head coaches, general managers, and owners questions about the direction of the NFL and the state of their respective franchises. And speaking to reporters, Penner provided an update on Nix's health.
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The Broncos quarterback suffered a season-ending ankle injury in Denver's overtime AFC Divisional Round win over the Buffalo Bills, which forced them to start backup Jarrett Stidham in the AFC Championship game against the New England Patriots.
Nix underwent surgery back in January, with him now expected to be fully available for OTAs during the offseason, according to Penner. Speaking to reporters at the Annual League Meeting, Penner said, "He’s attacked his recovery like he attacks preparing for games.
"He's done a terrific job. He’s ahead of schedule. No concerns at all for OTAs and [he will] go forward from there. Really, really pleased with his progress and the support from [vice president of player health] Beau Lowery and everyone."
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Following the injury he sustained against the Bills, Broncos head coach Sean Payton made headlines when he claimed the operating surgeon had said it was inevitable Nix would, at some point, break his ankle. "What was found was a condition that was predisposed -- they always find a little more when they go in," Payton said.
"It wasn't a matter of if, it was a matter of when. When you look at the play, and you're trying to evaluate it -- the operating surgeon said that this was going to happen sooner than later."
Bo Nix (10) of the Denver Broncos scrambles for a gain as Joey Bosa (97) of the Buffalo Bills chases during the fourth quarter of the Broncos' 33-30 overtime win at Empower Field at Mile High in Denver, Colorado on Saturday, January 17, 2026.
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Bo Nix injured his ankle in the AFC Divisional Round win over the Buffalo Bills back in January(Image: Getty Images)
He added, "So listen, he'll rehab his tail off and get ready and get back to being healthy.
"I think for someone who runs with the ball, I think he's done a pretty good job of protecting himself, not all the time, but for the most part, he's done a pretty good job of sliding and understanding playing for another day."
However, those comments did not sit well with Nix, who, just days after Payton's remarks, hit back at the Broncos head coach for mentioning private medical matters.
Bo Nix #10 of the Denver Broncos speaks with head coach Sean Payton of the Denver Broncos before the game against the Los Angeles Chargers at Empower Field at Mile High on January 4, 2026, in Denver, Colorado.
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Bo Nix #10 of the Denver Broncos speaks with head coach Sean Payton of the Denver Broncos before the game against the Los Angeles Chargers at Empower Field at Mile High on January 4, 2026, in Denver, Colorado.(Image: Getty)
"I don't think he really should share how many surgeries I've had in the past, to be honest with you — he doesn't even really know that," said Nix.
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"But it's going to be good to get back, get back to work. … Nothing really that concerns me, nothing that scares me moving forward.”