The Denver Broncos’ championship dreams took a major hit after Bo Nix’s season-ending injury during the 33-30 win over the Buffalo Bills on Saturday. Soon, talk of his replacement gained traction, with former quarterback Nick Foles chiming in. He didn’t just send prayers for Nix’s recovery but also outlined a major weakness of New England that head coach Sean Payton could leverage in their biggest game of the year.

“A positive note going into the game versus the Patriots is that they struggle against backup QBs in championship-type games,” Foles wrote on X.

In his comment, Foles referred to the Philadelphia Eagles’ 2017 season when they recorded a stunning 41-33 victory over the Patriots to win their first Super Bowl.

Foles started the year serving as a backup quarterback in that campaign. But that changed in Week 14 when Carson Wentz sustained a torn ACL that cut his season short. Foles dominated the finale by piling up 373 yards and three touchdowns without getting sacked.  

While Tom Brady’s mammoth 505-yard, three-touchdown performance gave the defense something to fight back, Philly never let them gain control. The former signal caller even caught a touchdown on a play that went down in history as “Philly Special.” Meanwhile, Foles’ message regarding the backup quarterbacks couldn’t be more relevant, as Denver has picked Jarrett Stidham to fill in for Bo Nix next week.

Furthermore, Sam Ehlinger will take on the backup role. And Ben DiNucci remains part of the practice squad for emergency depth. A standout from Auburn University, Stidham entered the NFL as New England’s fourth-round pick in the 2019 draft. However, the team shipped him to the Las Vegas Raiders after his three-year stint. Stidham signed a two-year deal with Denver the following year before resigning in 2025.

So far, he has made occasional contributions but hasn’t taken on the starting role properly. Next week’s game presents the biggest opportunity in Stidham’s career. And we’re yet to see if he pulls it off like Foles once did. Meanwhile, the former Eagles QB’s comments came on the heels of his powerful message to Nix and his team.

The Broncos dealt a major blow after Bo Nix’s injury

The Broncos faced a major setback in their Saturday’s 33-30 win over the Buffalo Bills. In overtime, they lost Bo Nix on a first-and-ten play from the Bills’ 36-yard line during the last drive that resulted in a game-winning field goal. The quarterback broke his ankle on a strange, almost kneel-like play that pushed him backward.

Unfortunately, the fracture in his right ankle will keep Nix out for the rest of the postseason. As the team reels from this on-field tragedy at such a crucial point, Nick Foles has offered emotional support.

“Note for the Broncos and their fans: I know it has been an emotional 24 hours, he said. “I feel for Bo and the team, and I’m sending prayers for a strong recovery,” he said.

Top Stories

Prayers Pour In as Cowboys Legend Scott Laidlaw Passes Away at 72

Natural Disaster Strikes San Francisco Just Hours After Sam Darnold, Drake Maye & Co. Arrives for Super Bowl LX

Amid Patrick Mahomes’ Injury Struggle, Saints QB Officially Announces Signing For Chiefs

Sean McVay Shares Update on Matthew Stafford’s Retirement After Sending Message to Rams QB

NFL Launches Investigation on Giants Owner Mentioned In Epstein Files Amid Russell Wilson Links

As of now, the coach hasn’t given any update on Nix’s recovery timeline. Before the injury, the player had thrown for 279 yards and punched in three touchdowns and one interception. On the rushing side, he added 29 yards on 12 carries. Head coach Sean Payton praised Nix while also revealing that he will undergo surgery on Tuesday. 

“He’s a tough cookie,” Payton said. “I said [to him], ‘Listen, I believe you’re the second quarterback in year two to take your team to a championship game. And the first is [Patrick] Mahomes.’ This team, all year, has lost key players. We’ll rise up for the next challenge, and we’ll go from there.”

Now, the Broncos will head to the AFC Championship game against Mike Vrabel’s team, which edged out the Houston Texans 28–16 on Sunday.