ENGLEWOOD — Broncos coach Sean Payton has no doubt quarterback Bo Nix will be fully healthy for the start of training camp in late July and most likely before then.

Nix suffered a broken right ankle in a Jan. 17 playoff win over Buffalo and underwent surgery Jan. 20. He had a clean-up procedure in late April in Alabama on a previously scheduled visit to Dr. Norman Waldrop III, who had performed the initial surgery.

“He’s doing great,” Payton said after Saturday’s second day of a three-day rookie minicamp at Broncos Park. “He’ll be well ahead of time for training camp. I think there’s a good chance we see him in this offseason program in June. We’re going to be the ones kind of holding him back, if you will.”

Payton and Broncos owner Greg Penner said at the NFL owners meetings in Phoenix in late March that Nix would be fully healthy for the start of organized team activities on June 2, and Payton shrugged off a question on April 25 about Nix’s clean-up procedure. While Payton said it now might not be the case that Nix is on the field June 2, he said there’s a good chance of him participating in the June 16-18 mandatory minicamp.

“The follow-up procedure was not a surprise. … No surprises,” Payton said. “I feel real good about where he’s at. And (the media) will have the chance to see it here in a few weeks but clearly (he’ll be) full speed by training camp. … If it were up to him, it’d be earlier, but we’re going to be smart. … I’m sure you’ll see him in probably minicamp maybe, but he’ll be full speed throwing everything in July before we even get back here.”

Payton said five other Denver players had medical procedures since the end of the season but, he didn’t name the others. He said of Nix that “sometimes after the initial surgery there doesn’t require a second one.” He said the thinking was in February that Nix would be ready for the start of OTAs but that is “probably going to be a week or two weeks off.”

The Broncos have three quarterbacks on the roster in Nix, Jarrett Stidham and Sam Ehlinger. For the rookie minicamp, they have brought in as tryout quarterbacks veteran Nathan Peterman and rookie E.J. Warner, son of Hall of Fame quarterback Kurt Warner.

Payton said that for OTAs, having two quarterbacks generally is “not a problem.” However, he didn’t rule out the possibility of signing another quarterback.

Payton brought in Peterman because he wanted a veteran to help with there being a “steady flow to practice.” And he liked how E.J. Warner has looked after playing at Fresno State.

“He’s just really stood out with getting in and out of the huddle,” Payton said. “He has a quick release and a good stroke.”

The rookie got advice from his famous father before the minicamp.

“Just go out there and have fun was his main thing,” E.J. said. “Everyone’s journey is different. … Just go out there when you have the chance and sling it. Play confident. Once you start second-guessing yourself, that’s when you’re in trouble. Just go out there, trust your eyes, believe in yourself and go have fun.”

Broncos or CFL for Gatkuoth

If the Broncos don’t sign tryout outside linebacker Nuer Gatkuoth, he will head to Canada.

Gatkuoth played three years at Colorado State before spending last season at Wake Forest, where he had six sacks. The native of Edmonton was selected with the No. 4 pick in the Canadian Football League draft by Winnipeg.

“Hopefully, it’ll be the Broncos,” he told The Denver Gazette. “It would be a great opportunity. If not, I’m going back and playing for the Winnipeg Blue Bombers.”

Gatkuoth believes he has played “pretty good” in the minicamp.

“I’ve been balling,” he said. “I’m playing to the best of my ability. I can rush the passer and I can drop back. So just having that ability to do both is a great tool, especially in this defense.”

Payton happy for Paton

Payton was thrilled to see general manager George Paton sign a new five-year contract Friday.

“I said to him, ‘Man, I consider myself very fortunate to have been with one general manager in New Orleans who I would call a very close friend and a great working partner and then to find another person like George,'” said Payton, referring to being New Orleans’ head coach from 2006-11 and 2013-21 and having Mickey Loomis as his general manager. “I know that we both feel the same way.”

Paton has been Denver’s general manager since 2021 and his new deal takes him through 2030. Payton joined the Broncos in 2023.

“We love the grind together,” Payton said. “He’s a tremendous asset and all, and he’s very good at what he does. I think we complement each other. I am super excited for him.”

Onyedim adjusting well to Broncos

Defensive tackle Tyler Onyedim has enjoyed the reaction from Broncos fans since being taken in the third round of the draft on April 24.

“They have shown me love (on social media) and everything,” he said. “It’s been straight love from them.”

Payton liked what he saw from Onyedim, Denver’s highest-drafted player, in the first two days of the minicamp.

“Good,” Payton said. “Good size, real good personality.”

Briefly

Payton said Drew Sanders likely will play more at outside linebacker than on the inside this season. Sanders, a third-round pick in 2023, played in all 17 games as a rookie but due to injuries got into just four in 2024 and missed all of last season. “He’s in great shape,” said Payton, saying he likes Sanders’ “versatility” and ability to be “decisive.” …  The rookie minicamp marks the first time for new offensive coordinator Davis Webb being Denver’s assigned play caller. “You’re previewing the script, so it’s scripting the plays,” Payton said. … With second-year man Jahdae Barron looking to perhaps push cornerback Riley Moss and nickel back Ja’Quan McMillian for playing time, Payton said it will “sort itself out” and he is “excited” with the experience and depth the Broncos have at the position. … Linebacker Red Murdock, taken with the No. 257 and last pick in the NFL draft, continues to have no issues with being Mr. Irrelevant. “It didn’t affect the confidence,” he said. “But it was a great experience (just being drafted).” … Payton said fourth-round pick Kage Casey is working at both guard and tackle and could even play some center.