When will Bo Nix return from his injury? Here's what Sean Payton said

• Broncos quarterback Bo Nix underwent a second, follow-up procedure on his previously broken ankle.
• Nix originally broke his right ankle during the divisional round of the playoffs.

Put away the panic button, Denver Broncos fans. Quarterback Bo Nix is going to be all right.

In late April, ESPN sparked some worried whispers in the Rockies when it reported that Nix, who was working his way back from a broken ankle, underwent a second procedure on his injured joint. On May 9, Broncos head coach Sean Payton put to rest any concerns inspired by his franchise quarterback's second surgery.

"The followup procedure was not a surprise," Payton told members of the media. "No surprises. We feel real good about where he's at."

Nix, 26, broke his right ankle during the closing moments of the Broncos' overtime win over the Buffalo Bills in the divisional round of the playoffs. The injury, which required surgery, knocked Nix out of Denver's appearance in the AFC championship game.

In the months after his initial procedure, Nix had a follow-up evaluation with his surgeon. At the end of April, the Broncos' starter underwent a second, "cleanup" procedure on his ankle, which ESPN's Ian Rapoport reported at the time was "not rare or unexpected."

Here's how Nix's second ankle surgery impacts his timeline to return:

When will Bo Nix return?

Payton said on May 9 that Nix's second ankle procedure was not a surprise and should not affect his ability to participate in training camp.

"[Nix]'s doing great. He'll be well ahead of time for training camp," Payton said. "I think there's a good chance we see him in this offseason program in June. We're gonna be the ones kind of holding him back."

The Broncos begin their organized team activities (OTAs) early in June. They'll have one three-day session from June 2-4 and a four-day session from June 8-11. After that, Denver's mandatory minicamp will take place from June 16-18 to wrap up its spring workouts before training camp begins in July.

Even if Nix does not take the field in OTAs and minicamp, Payton's comments served to express confidence that the quarterback will be back in action for training camp and ready to start in Week 1.

Bo Nix stats

Here's how Nix performed during the 2025 season, by the numbers:

• Games (starts): 17 (17)
• Completion rate: 388-of-612 (63.4%)
• Passing yards: 3,931
• Touchdowns: 25
• Interceptions: 11
• Passer rating: 87.8
• Rushing: 83 attempts for 356 yards (4.3 yards per attempt) and five touchdowns