Concerns continue to grow around Bo Nix after the Broncos quarterback suffered an ankle injury last season. He recently underwent a second surgery as the Broncos hope to have him back on the field soon.

With his recovery still underway, former Broncos offensive lineman Mark Schlereth has expressed concern about the situation.  

During an appearance on The Stinkin’ Truth Podcast on May 22, Schlereth said he believes in the Broncos this season if Nix returns healthy.

“I think there’s no question that they have done enough. It really comes down to Bo Nix’s ankle. I know they’re downplaying the severity of the injury, and they say, ‘Oh, it was scheduled.’ No, it wasn’t. This is an unscheduled-scheduled going back into the ankle because something; you had a setback in your rehabilitation. So, that’s the thing that scares me,” he said. 

Schlereth, who won two Super Bowls with Denver after joining the franchise in 1995, remains closely connected to the organization. 

According to reports, Nix is expected to return in June and will be cleared by July. The bigger concern is whether the Broncos’ offensive line can hold up if Nix misses time early in the season. 

The injury already forced him to miss the AFC Championship Game. If Nix misses time early in the season, Denver may have to explore temporary options at quarterback.

Jaylen Waddle’s Arrival Could Ease Pressure on Bo Nix 

While the Broncos continue monitoring Nix’s recovery, attention has also shifted toward how the team can support him once he returns. 

104.3 The Fan hosts Josh Dover and Cecil Lammey also talked about Jaylen Waddle's role in the Broncos. Lammey believes the addition of Waddle gives Nix a reliable offensive weapon and could ease pressure on the offense.

“Jaylen Waddle will allow you to properly measure and gauge Bo Nix,” Lammey said.

Waddle’s potential, speed, route-running and production (three career 1,000-yard seasons) will give Nix a true first option that can win one-on-one against any coverage.

Schlereth also praised Denver’s addition of Waddle earlier this offseason during his appearance on the podcast. 

“I think when you make a trade for a Jaylen Waddle, and you look at the 30th overall pick, and you say, "There is nobody in this draft that can even come close to what a Jaylen Waddle can give you, is remarkable,” said Schlereth.

With questions still surrounding Nix’s recovery timeline, the Broncos will hope additions like Waddle can help stabilize the offense heading into the 2026 season. 

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Written by

Evince Das

Edited by

Arundhoti Palit