Bo Nix will not play in the Broncos' preseason opener against the Falcons, with Sean Payton saying the quarterback is expected to make his preseason debut next week against the Packers. It is a straightforward decision, but one that shapes the first two weeks of Denver's preseason plan.
Payton said on Wednesday that the Broncos' starters will play around 15 plays in Friday's Week 1 preseason game in Atlanta, while Nix will travel with the team but stay out of the lineup. Jarrett Stidham and Sam Ehlinger are expected to split the quarterback work against the Falcons, giving Denver a different look for the opening game of August. The Broncos are also set to unveil a new uniform combination as the preseason begins.
Payton: Nix is healthy, but not needed on Friday
The key point is not that Nix cannot play. Payton said he is healthy enough to take part and made clear that the decision was already in place about a month ago. In other words, this is about schedule and planning rather than injury.
That matters because Nix's camp workload has not been reduced compared with previous years. Payton also pointed to a practice throw to Pat Bryant as evidence that the quarterback is progressing well, saying it was a good sign and that Nix is right where the coaching staff hoped he'd be. For a team trying to balance preparation with caution, that is a useful checkpoint.
What the Broncos want to see next
Payton was also clear that the quarterback room is being tested in a broader competitive sense. He said the Broncos are focused on their best stuff and are effectively competing against the 31 other quarterbacks in the league, which is why the next two weeks matter for evaluation.
That gives the opener a specific job. Stidham and Ehlinger will handle the snaps against the Falcons, the starters will get a short opening run, and Nix will wait for the Packers game on Friday, Aug. 21, 2026. If Denver gets what it wants from the first two preseason games, it will come away with a useful look at both the depth chart and the shape of the offense. For more on the wider camp picture, Quinn Meinerz has already praised Broncos' front on Day 10 of camp, a strong sign for Packers Schedule 2026 hopes, while Bo Nix says Jaylen Waddle 'adds an extra element' to the Broncos offense — Sean Payton sees a clear fit adds another angle to the quarterback conversation.
