Full Breakdown
Bo Nix Returns as Broncos Fall to Packers 33-13 in Preseason Opener
8/22/2026, 8:19:50 PM
Game Summary – Broncos vs. Packers, August 21 2026
The Denver Broncos hosted the Green Bay Packers at Empower Field at Mile High on August 21 2026. The Broncos were defeated 33–13, ending an eight-game preseason winning streak. Quarterback Bo Nix led Denver on two scoring drives, completing 6-of-9 passes for 76 yards, a touchdown and a 129.9 passer rating. The Packers answered with 26 unanswered points after Denver’s early 10-7 lead.
Preseason Context
Denver entered the game after a 27–7 win over the Atlanta Falcons in Week 1. The spotlight was on Bo Nix, who missed the previous season’s AFC Championship after fracturing his right ankle in the divisional-round win on January 17 2026. Nix underwent two offseason surgeries, including a bone-spur cleanup in April, and returned to live-action for the first time since that injury. The Broncos also debuted new wide receiver Jaylen Waddle, acquired from Miami in March, and featured first-year offensive coordinator Davis Webb calling plays for Nix.
Key Statistics
- Final score: Packers 33, Broncos 13.
- Bo Nix: 6/9, 76 yds, 1 TD, 0 INT, 129.9 passer rating.
- RJ Harvey: 21-yard touchdown reception on a wheel route.
- Wil Lutz (DEN): 53-yard field goal (first half).
- Packers kicker Trey Smack: four field goals (51, 59, 43, 38 yds).
- Denver penalties: 10 for 79 yds.
- Broncos total offense: 225 yds; Packers total offense: 299 yds.
- Cornerback Riley Moss left the game with a rib injury on the second play.
Coaches’ Reactions
He warned against dismissing the game as merely a preseason contest.
On-the-Ground Observations
Waddle’s first reception was a 35-yard gain that sparked Denver’s opening drive, confirming the speed threat the Broncos hoped he would provide. The special-teams unit struggled: Pierre Strong Jr.’s 68-yard kickoff return set up a Packers field goal, while Denver’s return game produced a 40-yard effort by Kolbe Katsis. Defensive lapses allowed Jordan Love’s 12-play, 63-yard opening touchdown drive.
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
Sources differ on the backup-quarterback hierarchy after Nix’s snaps. ESPN and the Gazette describe Jarrett Stidham as the “QB2” who saw the bulk of second-half action, while other outlets (e.g., USAToday) note Sam Ehlinger receiving limited fourth-quarter snaps and being considered a contender for the backup role. No definitive roster decision was announced.
What’s Next
The Broncos will conclude the preseason against the Minnesota Vikings on August 28 ( scheduled). Their regular-season opener is set for September 14 ( scheduled) against the Kansas City Chiefs.
Verbatim Quotes
- “I think they won a lot of the battles,” — Sean Payton, coach — Sean Payton, head coach
- “We can't just say, 'Hey, this is preseason [game] two,'” — Sean Payton, coach — Sean Payton, head coach
- “ "It was awesome [to see Nix back]," Ehlinger said.” — Sam Ehlinger — Sam Ehlinger, quarterback
- “I thought he did a great job,” — Broncos QB Sam Ehlinger — Sam Ehlinger, quarterback
