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Bo Nix Out; Stidham to Start for Broncos

1/21/2026

38 4 Full Breakdown

Summary

Nix Injured, Stidham Steps In

Bo Nix is out for the AFC Championship Game with a fractured ankle sustained in the overtime win against the Buffalo Bills.
Jarrett Stidham will start at quarterback for the Denver Broncos, his first game in over two years.
Head coach Sean Payton emphasized adapting the game plan to suit Stidham's strengths.
Nix's surgery is scheduled for Tuesday in Alabama.

History

Historical Context

The NFL has long grappled with player injuries, a concern that intensified during the 2011 season, which followed a 130-day lockout ending July 25. As teams like the New England Patriots adapted their strategies after losing key players, injuries continued to shape game dynamics. Today, incidents like Bo Nix's fractured ankle underscore the ongoing challenges of player health and the need for flexible coaching strategies.

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Nix Injured, Stidham Steps In

Bo Nix is out for the AFC Championship Game with a fractured ankle sustained in the overtime win against the Buffalo Bills.
Jarrett Stidham will start at quarterback for the Denver Broncos, his first game in over two years.
Head coach Sean Payton emphasized adapting the game plan to suit Stidham's strengths.
Nix's surgery is scheduled for Tuesday in Alabama.

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