The Denver Gazette examines different Broncos position groups before the start of training camp with rookies reporting July 22:

Quarterback

Projected starter

— Bo Nix

Projected backups

— Jarrett Stidham

— Sam Ehlinger

Elephant in the room: Will Bo Nix bounce back from two ankle surgeries?

Broncos Country enters training camp fixated on the ankle of their starting quarterback. Can you blame them? Nix enters training camp after two surgeries to repair the damage from his fractured ankle in the AFC divisional playoff win over the Bills. He missed OTAs and did not fully participate in minicamp. But let’s not overreact.

The ankle fracture is not a long-term health concern. Nix dismissed any notion that his play will be impacted, especially his mobility. Nix joked last month: “My concern is maybe moving around a little bit better.” But that sets a high bar after his breakout second NFL season.

Nix led the Broncos to a 14-3 record a year ago. He threw for 3,931 yards and 25 touchdowns with 11 interceptions. The dual-threat quarterback added 356 rushing yards with five more touchdowns on the ground. If Nix stays healthy, he has all the tools to make another deep playoff run in 2026.

Biggest competition:
Stidham vs. Ehlinger

There was no lack of confidence in Stidham when he took over for an injured Nix to start in the AFC Championship Game. But that didn’t translate to victory. Stidham struggled to move the offense in a snowy second half, and the Patriots advanced to the Super Bowl. Stidham enters his fourth season as the backup quarterback in Denver.

But don’t be surprised if Ehlinger pushes Stidham for the No. 2 QB job in 2026. The Broncos practice squad quarterback turned down multiple offers last year to join active NFL rosters. It’s possible that his loyalty will be rewarded with a bigger role. Ehlinger has a gunslinger reputation with potentially a higher ceiling than Stidham in the NFL.

Bottom line

Nix is not considered among the NFL’s elite quarterbacks despite leading his team to consecutive playoff appearances. But there is no questioning his toughness or ability to lead the Broncos to a comeback victory. The Broncos are in good hands with Nix leading the way.