Bo Nix will not be participating on the field when the Denver Broncos begin their first week of Organized Team Activities (OTAs) this week. The team's starting quarterback is set to be an observer only, as he recovers from a second procedure on his right ankle.
This development comes as no surprise after Nix suffered a broken right ankle during Denver's AFC divisional round playoff victory over the Buffalo Bills in January 2026. The injury initially required surgery, followed by a follow-up cleanup procedure late last month. The second surgery pushed back his timeline for resuming full on-field activities. According to the team, Nix is expected to be fully cleared for training camp in late July. However, for this three-day span of OTAs -- Tuesday through Thursday -- he will watch from the sidelines.
With Nix sidelined, all eyes turn to the two quarterbacks competing behind him on the depth chart: Sam Ehlinger and Jarrett Stidham.
Stidham, the veteran who started the AFC Championship game after Nix's injury, enters OTAs as the nominal No. 2. But that designation is tentative. Stidham did not throw a regular-season pass last year; his only on-field snap was a kneel-down in the divisional round playoff game, resulting in a one-yard loss. Known as a steady presence familiar with the system, Stidham's role is more of a caretaker than a developmental prospect.
Ehlinger represents the younger developmental project. Signed by the Broncos in the 2026 offseason, Ehlinger is the 2021 draft pick out of Texas. Though he has bounced around NFL teams without securing a prominent role, he arrives in Denver with a clear opportunity. His mobility fits Head Coach Sean Payton's preference for quarterbacks who can extend plays and create with their legs when the pocket collapses. Ehlinger has four years of NFL experience but has never had a serious chance to compete for a high-level backup role until now.
Throughout OTAs, snap counts and reps will be closely monitored. Without Nix on the field, the starting offense's reps will shift between Stidham and Ehlinger. Payton is known for practicing meritocracy: the player drawing the most first-team reps will send a strong signal about the depth chart hierarchy. Though OTAs are early and limited in scope, these reps carry weight in shaping the backup quarterback role.
Payton recently emphasized the importance of depth as part of the Broncos' strategy. "The reason we've been so good the last couple of years is because of our depth," he said during a press conference earlier this week. Although the Broncos are not currently among the Super Bowl favorites at +2000 odds, they are positioning themselves as a team closing the gap toward contention. Securing a reliable backup quarterback is a critical piece of that puzzle.
Nix was a revelation in the 2025 season. He started all 17 games, completing 388 of 612 passes for 3,931 yards, 25 touchdowns, and 11 interceptions. He also contributed 356 rushing yards and five rushing touchdowns. His emergence reshaped the franchise's trajectory and raised expectations for the team's future. Nonetheless, injuries are part of football, and a broken ankle during a playoff run underscored the need for depth behind him.
The second ankle procedure complicates Nix's spring plans but is not expected to affect his availability for training camp. The follow-up surgery cleaned out residual issues from the original repair and is considered routine by medical staff. Such a procedure addresses lingering soreness and ensures the ankle is in optimal shape before full contact work begins.
At the backup position, the stakes are high for both Stidham and Ehlinger.
Stidham's experience is an advantage. He is well-versed in Payton's system and possess the poise required to manage the offense. However, the lack of recent game exposure poses challenges. To hold his spot, Stidham must demonstrate offseason improvement--making precise throws, executing the full playbook, and showing command against a defense featuring top-tier Broncos defenders like Pat Surtain II, Riley Moss, and Jahdae Barron. OTAs may not replicate game pressure, but they represent the first live showcase of skills for the year.
Ehlinger's path is more straightforward but demanding. He must prove he belongs on the depth chart through accuracy, mobility, decision-making, and pace of play. If he can exhibit the traits Payton values, he could move ahead of Stidham and establish himself as the primary backup. The backup quarterback role is vital; it is a position that could become the most important in the building after the starter, especially given Nix's recent injury history.
While Nix will not be physically participating in OTAs, he will remain actively involved in mental reps, meeting rooms, and film study. It will be important to monitor his recovery progress and the narrative around his health moving forward. The ankle's stability and resilience to contact will be common topics, but only his performance on the field in training camp and preseason will provide definitive answers.
Following OTAs, the Broncos will hold their mandatory minicamp in June, where competition intensifies, and evaluations gain sharpness. Payton has expressed enthusiasm about seeing young players compete for roster spots, including 2026 draft picks such as third-round defensive tackle Tyler Onyedim and fourth-round running back Jonah Coleman, alongside undrafted free agents.
Ultimately, the most pivotal competition in the Broncos' offseason is the quarterback backup battle behind Bo Nix. While it may not deliver headlines or jersey sales, it holds substantial implications for the team's fortunes. The first reps of OTAs, though limited, offer a glimpse at who may rise to meet those critical challenges.
This week, the Broncos' backup quarterback contenders will have their first chance to make a statement and position themselves as the indispensable insurance policy for a franchise riding high on Bo Nix's emergence.