Is Bo Nix Playing Today? Live Injury Update & Game Status for Oregon Ducks vs Washington

Denver Broncos fans searching “is Bo Nix playing today” can breathe easier about the answer—though it’s not the news they hoped for. The rookie quarterback will NOT suit up for this afternoon’s AFC Championship showdown against the New England Patriots. Nix underwent surgery last week to repair a fractured right ankle and is expected to miss roughly 12 weeks, ruling him out for the remainder of the postseason and eliminating any chance of a Super Bowl return. Head coach Sean Payton has confirmed veteran Jarrett Stidham will start, with Sam Ehlinger elevated to the No. 2 role. Payton expressed full confidence in Stidham’s ability to manage the offense, citing three years of practice-field familiarity with the system. Nix, meanwhile, will watch from an owner’s-suite box, keeping his weight off the ankle as doctors mandate. What happened? The injury occurred on the second-to-last play of overtime in Denver’s divisional-round win over Buffalo. Although Nix finished the game and handled post-game media duties, subsequent imaging revealed a break in a new spot on the ankle. Doctors are optimistic about a full recovery before organized team activities begin in April. Key implications for today’s game: • Offensive tweak: Expect a heavier dose of the Broncos’ run game and short-to-intermediate passes tailored to Stidham’s quick-release strengths. • Patriots’ defensive focus: New England’s pass rush led by Matthew Judon will test Denver’s backup early and often. • Betting & fantasy: Remove Nix from DFS and prop considerations; Stidham’s modest salary could offer contrarian value against a bend-but-don’t-break Patriots defense. How to watch: Kickoff is set for 3:05 p.m. ET on CBS and streaming on Paramount+. Local viewers in Denver can also tune in over the air on KCNC-TV. Looking ahead: Barring setbacks, Nix should participate in the full offseason program and enter training camp as Denver’s undisputed starter. For now, the Broncos’ championship hopes hinge on Stidham’s arm and a top-five defense. Bottom line—if you’re Googling “Is Bo Nix playing today?” the definitive answer is no. Jarrett Stidham takes the reins, and Nix’s sights shift to rehab and a healthy 2026 season debut.