Bo Nix out after ankle surgery; Jarrett Stidham to lead Broncos in AFC title game

Cbssports reports the Denver Broncos will play Sunday’s AFC Championship against the New England Patriots without quarterback Bo Nix after he underwent ankle surgery for a season-ending injury sustained in the final moments of the AFC divisional win over the Buffalo Bills.

In a lengthy Instagram post, Nix called the injury "some of the most devastating football news" he's ever received and said he is struggling with not being on the field. He added he is "confident in Jarrett" and believes the team can win with backup Jarrett Stidham leading the offense, and thanked trainers and medical staff in his message.

Nix’s absence cancels an anticipated matchup with Patriots rookie Drake Maye; both are members of the 2024 NFL Draft class who have enjoyed fast starts. The report notes Maye earned Pro Bowl honors after completing 66.6% of his passes and this year led the NFL with a 72% completion percentage while helping New England to its first 14-win season since 2016. Stidham will attempt to join the list of backups who have led teams to the Super Bowl, a list that includes Jeff Hostetler, and coach Sean Payton is hoping to emulate Bill Parcells by winning with a backup.

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Sports, Bo Nix, Jarrett Stidham, Denver Broncos, New England Patriots, Drake Maye