Bo Nix's recovery is still a big talking point in Denver as the Broncos near minicamp, with questions about how he'll return to full team drills. Now, Cody Roark from the Locked On Broncos podcast has suggested easing him back in with more controlled football work.

Nix is still coming back after a fractured ankle he picked up during the playoffs. He also had a cleanup procedure in the spring, which slowed things down a bit during OTAs. Now, ahead of their mandatory minicamp, Roark's comments raise a question for Sean Payton.

“Is Sean gonna maybe surprise us a little bit and just say hey like you know one thing with Bo because there’s not going to be a rush," said Cody Roark on Monday. "Could we see Bo throw in seven-on-seven this week? Because...you're not having anybody rush the quarterback…”

According to Mile High Sport, the injury came later in Denver's playoff win over the Bills, and the injury kept him out of the AFC Championship Game. Since then, the Broncos have taken a steady approach with Nix's return.

Nix's mobility is still a big part of what he brings to the offense, even if the team is likely to be a bit more careful with how often they use it early in the season.

Considering that, Payton has to decide whether Nix can take part in the upcoming seven-on-seven drills. In Nix's two NFL seasons, Denver saw a return of postseason football, and hence, the franchise would be keen on easing him in cautiously.

Sean Payton has also made it clear that the offense will continue to evolve, especially when it comes to balancing the run game and protecting the quarterback better overall.

"You're constantly looking at the looks you're running into and how much you want to do at the line relative to changing plays," Payton said on Monday. "I've been with Zach Strief for so long that we can have these meetings about where we want it to go, what the strength of our unit is."

For now, minicamp is just another checkpoint. It won't give all the answers, but it should give a clearer picture of where Nix stands heading into training camp.

Bo Nix Recovery Progress Remains Key Talking Point as Broncos Enter Minicamp

While Nix has stayed around team activities in a limited capacity, full participation has not been part of the plan during OTAs, according to AtoZ Sports.

"Nix has begun throwing in some limited drills before OTA practices over the past two weeks," ESPN's Jeff Legwold wrote on 15 June. "Payton has said Nix will be 'full go' when training camp opens in late July, so the minicamp sessions will be the last benchmark of the team's offseason work for Nix to meet."

That makes this week an important checkpoint, with even small steps back into group work seen as part of the gradual buildup towards training camp.

Sean Payton has consistently expressed confidence in the timeline, and all signs continue to point toward a controlled return rather than any rush.

As Denver wraps up its final offseason phase, Nix's status remains one of the key things to watch heading into summer.

Read more at the Denver Broncos Community!

Written by

Debanjali Rakshit

Edited by

Aadesh Dhote