The Denver Broncos finally got a clearer update on Bo Nix. Head coach Sean Payton said Nix is on track in his recovery from a fractured right ankle suffered in last season’s NFL playoffs. Nix is expected to participate in the mandatory minicamp from June 16-18. That is a positive sign for Denver, even though Nix did not take part in the Broncos’ first three days of voluntary OTAs.

MORE: 3 NFL stars next to be traded now that Myles Garrett & A.J. Brown have been dealt

Encouraging Signs In Recovery

Payton said Nix has been throwing before practice and expects him to have a larger role when the media is back for the third week of offseason work. The Broncos still expect Nix to miss the June 9-11 OTA sessions, so this is not a full green light yet. But it is progress.

Nix fractured the ankle during Denver’s divisional-round playoff win over the Buffalo Bills on Jan. 17. He had surgery three days later, then underwent a planned cleanup procedure in April. That makes the timing of his return important, especially with training camp approaching later this summer.

The Broncos do not need Nix to win June. They need him healthy for September.

Broncos Focused On The Bigger Picture

Nix has become the centerpiece of Denver’s offense after being drafted No. 12 overall in 2024. Through two regular seasons, he has gone 24-10 as a starter, thrown for 7,706 yards with 54 touchdowns and 23 interceptions, and added 786 rushing yards with nine scores. He has also helped lead the Broncos to the playoffs in both seasons.

In the meantime, Jarrett Stidham and Sam Ehlinger are competing for the backup job behind him. That battle matters, but only if Nix’s recovery stalls.

For now, the Broncos appear to be getting the update they wanted.

Nix is not fully back yet. But Payton’s timeline suggests Denver’s quarterback should be ready before the real work begins.

— Enjoy free coverage of the top news & trending stories on The Big Lead —