Broncos Talk: Quarterback Bo Nix will not participate in offseason training activities (OTAs) Tuesday through Thursday while recovering from a second ankle procedure. How big of a deal is his absence?

Chris Tomasson, Broncos beat writer: With Nix not expected to be a full participant to start OTAs, he won’t get an early jump on working with new wide receiver Jaylen Waddle and with first-year offensive coordinator Davis Webb. Nix, though, did have Webb as his quarterbacks coach the past two seasons. Nix being sidelined at least will allow for more reps for Jarrett Stidham and Sam Ehlinger. Could Ehlinger use those reps to help him unseat Stidham as the backup quarterback? After all, Stidham struggled in a AFC Championship Game loss to New England with Nix sidelined due to his broken right ankle.

Kyle Fredrickson, Broncos beat writer: I wouldn’t be surprised at all if Ehlinger took the backup quarterback job. We’ve both witnessed his arm talent in training camp last year. I’m more concerned if Nix will actually be ready on Day 1 of training camp. The Broncos have been less than transparent about this whole situation. Coach Sean Payton initially called the injury “predisposed.” Nix later denied that claim and said he would be available for OTAs. Then he needed a second surgery. It is entirely possible Nix ends up just fine. But do the contradicting reports make you wonder?

Tomasson: Yes, they do, despite the Broncos having mostly expressed little concern in recent months about Nix’s injury. Greg Penner said at the owners meetings March 30 that he was “ahead of schedule” and there were “no concerns at all for” the offseason program. True, that was before he had a clean-up procedure in late April. But even after that procedure, Payton said April 25 that Nix was “doing great” and there was “nothing to report.” Then Payton backtracked a bit on May 9 and said he would miss some time in OTAs but would be at “full speed” by training camp.

Fredrickson: Nix will let his play do the talking upon his eventual return as starting quarterback. There’s no doubt about his toughness. He played two snaps on that fractured ankle in the playoffs to set up the game-winning Wil Lutz field goal. He also has eight fourth-quarter comebacks and 10 game-winning drives in his short NFL career. Nix probably loves that we’re questioning his injury return timeline. It’s further motivation to help deliver the Broncos another Lombardi Trophy. But let’s not pretend his health status isn’t a major storyline this offseason, either.