The Denver Broncos' quarterback room has undergone a seismic shift in the lead-up to the AFC Championship Game. The team made a series of official transactions on January 24, 2026, that formalized the changing of the guard under center and reshaped the roster for the playoff push.
The Official End of Bo Nix's Season As anticipated, the Broncos placed starting quarterback Bo Nix on injured reserve, ending his 2025 season. Nix suffered a fracture in his right ankle during the AFC Divisional Round victory over the Buffalo Bills on January 17. He underwent successful surgery on January 19 but faces a lengthy rehabilitation process. Nix, in his second year, was the catalyst for the Broncos' offensive resurgence this season, and his loss is a significant blow to the team's Super Bowl aspirations.
Stidham "Ready to Go" Head Coach Sean Payton has unequivocally named veteran Jarrett Stidham the starter moving forward. "Jarrett is ready to go," Payton stated. "He's prepared for this moment, and we have full confidence in him." Stidham, who joined the Broncos in 2025, took over for Nix during the Divisional Round and will now make his first playoff start in the AFC Championship. His experience in Payton's system and his steady hand will be critical against a complex Patriots defense.
Roster Reinforcement Moves To compensate for injuries and prepare for the championship game, the Broncos' front office was active:
- Activated C Luke Wattenberg from IR: Wattenberg, who missed time with a left shoulder injury, was a full participant in practice and provides crucial depth and starting experience on the interior offensive line.
- Elevated WRs Elijah Moore and Michael Bandy: With the receiving corps dealing with injuries, the Broncos elevated both Moore and Bandy from the practice squad to the active roster for the game. Moore, signed to the active roster just days prior on January 16, offers a dynamic playmaking threat.
- Practice Squad Shuffle: The team also signed veteran wide receiver Brandon Johnson to the practice squad on January 20 for additional depth, and reportedly added quarterback Ben DiNucci to the practice squad as a emergency arm.
Other Injury Updates The news was less positive for running back J.K. Dobbins, who was ruled OUT for the AFC Championship as he continues to deal with a foot injury. His absence puts more pressure on the remaining backfield committee. The statuses of linebacker Drew Sanders (ankle) and tight end Lucas Krull (foot) remained unclear heading into the game weekend.
Looking Ahead While Stidham is the unquestioned starter for the remainder of the playoffs, his long-term future with the team became an immediate topic of offseason speculation. A January 26 report from Sports Illustrated listed Stidham as a potential salary cap casualty for 2026, with a 53.1% 'negative fate' score. For now, however, the entire organization is united behind Stidham as they prepare for their biggest game of the year.