Denver Broncos quarterback Bo Nix (10) warms up before an AFC Divisional Round playoff game against the Buffalo Bills at Empower Field at Mile High.
Ron Chenoy-Imagn Images
Denver Broncos quarterback Bo Nix will not play in the team's preseason opener against the Atlanta Falcons on Friday, but head coach Sean Payton confirmed Wednesday the quarterback is scheduled to return for Denver's final two exhibition games. The decision to sit Nix out comes as he continues his recovery from two surgeries on his right ankle.
Nix fractured the ankle during the closing minutes of the Broncos AFC divisional-round playoff win over the Buffalo Bills in January. He underwent surgery to repair the fracture shortly afterward and required another procedure in April to address bone spurs in the same ankle. The injury caused him to miss most of Denver's offseason on-field work, while his participation during mandatory minicamp in June was limited.
His situation has improved considerably since then. Nix has practiced fully since the beginning of training camp without restrictions and has taken the same number of training-camp snaps as he did last summer. He has also said he feels “completely normal” during practice and does not expect the ankle procedures to make him hesitant to run during games.
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Payton said Nix will travel with the team to Atlanta but will remain on the sideline. The matchup is being played at Mercedes-Benz Stadium, where the Falcons use artificial turf. Nix's first preseason appearance instead will come at the Broncos Empower Field at Mile High, which has a natural grass surface. He is expected to play in both the second and third preseason games against the Green Bay Packers and Minnesota Vikings.
With Nix unavailable Friday, Jarrett Stidham and Sam Ehlinger will receive the quarterback opportunities. Stidham is expected to start and play the first half, while Ehlinger will handle the second half. The two have been splitting second-team repetitions during training camp as they compete for the backup role.
Denver's other starters are expected to play approximately 10-15 snaps. Friday's game will also be the first preseason contest since Payton handed playcalling responsibilities to offensive coordinator Davis Webb, who previously served as the Broncos' quarterbacks coach for three seasons.