Bo Nix returned to the field for the Denver Broncos after a long recovery from a broken right ankle and delivered one of the most encouraging performances of the second week of the NFL preseason.
Denver's starting quarterback played Friday night against the Green Bay Packers and quickly showed that the injury that had raised questions about his readiness for the regular season may be behind him. Although the Broncos lost 33-13, Nix's performance was one of the biggest positive takeaways from the game.
Bo Nix returned with a touchdown pass
Nix completed 6 of 9 passes for 76 yards and one touchdown during his two offensive series. His touchdown came in the first quarter, when he connected with R.J. Harvey on a 21-yard scoring pass.
Before that play, Nix had already connected with wide receiver Jaylen Waddle for a 35-yard gain, showcasing the speed that Denver's new offensive weapon can bring to the offense.
The quarterback played only 14 snaps, a workload that fit Denver's plan to carefully manage his return following his rehabilitation.
A recovery Denver needed to see
Bo Nix suffered his ankle injury during last season's playoffs, when he fractured his right ankle during Denver's game against Buffalo. The injury kept him from continuing in the postseason and forced the quarterback to undergo surgery in January.
He later underwent a second procedure during the spring to remove bone spurs. That made his return to live action one of the biggest storylines surrounding the Broncos during the preseason.
Beyond the statistics, the game against Green Bay allowed Denver to see Nix move, throw and operate the offense in a real game environment. For the Broncos, that was arguably the most important takeaway of the night.
The Jaylen Waddle connection could be important
One of the most intriguing developments was the connection between Bo Nix and Jaylen Waddle. The wide receiver, one of Denver's major offensive additions, made a 35-yard reception during his early work with the quarterback.
Waddle's speed can create new possibilities for an offense that will be expected to build on the progress Denver made during the previous season.
The play also showed why having Nix healthy is so important. With a new offensive weapon joining the group, developing chemistry between the quarterback and his top targets will be critical.
The Broncos still have work to do
Nix's return was encouraging, but the loss to Green Bay also showed that Denver still has several areas to improve before the regular season begins.
The Packers eventually pulled away for a 33-13 victory. Jordan Love played one offensive series and threw a touchdown pass, while Green Bay generated enough production to take control of the game.
Denver also had an additional concern when cornerback Riley Moss left with a rib injury after entering the game following an impressive training camp.
What comes next for Bo Nix?
The Broncos' priority will be keeping their quarterback healthy while gradually increasing his workload. His preseason return should not necessarily be judged by the number of snaps he plays, but by how his body responds after such a significant injury.
Nix completing six of nine passes, throwing a touchdown and connecting with Waddle on a deep play represents an encouraging first step.
Denver will now have to determine how much additional preseason work Nix needs before the regular season begins. After a recovery lasting several months, every appearance will provide another opportunity to evaluate his mobility, timing and confidence.
For now, the conclusion is straightforward: Bo Nix returned to the field and produced. For a Broncos team hoping to compete again in the AFC, seeing their starting quarterback healthy may be the most important positive development they could have received at this stage of the preseason.