Bo Nix’s Ankle Injury: How It Happened, What It Means, and What Recovery Usually Looks Like

During the Denver Broncos’ thrilling 33–30 overtime victory over the Buffalo Bills in the AFC Divisional Round, Broncos quarterback Bo Nix suffered a fractured right ankle that will keep him out for the rest of the playoffs. The injury occurred late in overtime on the penultimate play and was severe enough to require surgery, according to team officials. 

While many watched Nix walk off the field and be involved in postgame celebrations, subsequent medical evaluation revealed a broken bone in his right ankle, and he was scheduled for surgery soon after. 

An injury like this is not uncommon in football, but the way it happened and what follows can be surprising to fans and non-athletes alike. Understanding how ankle fractures occur, how they are treated, and what recovery looks like may help anyone dealing with a similar injury make informed decisions about their own foot and ankle health.

How Ankle Injuries Like This Actually Happen

The ankle is a complex joint made up of bones, ligaments, and tendons that work together to support your weight and allow movement in multiple directions. A fracture occurs when enough force overcomes the strength of the bone. In contact sports, this can happen when the foot is planted while the rest of the body is pushed, twisted, or rolled in a way the joint is not designed to tolerate.

In Bo Nix’s case, the injury developed over the course of plays in overtime. The initial action that contributed to the fracture occurred on what appeared to be a routine play, but the joint ultimately failed under load and resulted in a break. This type of sudden injury often causes more damage than it initially appears, especially before swelling sets in. 

This type of fracture may be accompanied by ligament or cartilage injury as well, depending on the direction and magnitude of the force. That complexity is why imaging such as X-rays and sometimes MRI are used to fully understand the extent of the injury soon after it occurs.

What Common Factors Lead Up to These Injuries

Ankle fractures in athletes are usually the result of a combination of situational and anatomical factors. Sudden changes in direction, high-speed collisions, and uneven surfaces increase stress on the ankle. Fatigue also plays a role. When muscles are tired, they provide less support to joints, leaving ligaments and bones to absorb more force.

Previous injuries can also contribute. If an athlete has sprained or strained the ankle in the past, it may not stabilize the joint as effectively under load, even after it has healed. Tight or weak supporting muscles, limited joint mobility, and imbalance can also increase risk. Identifying these risk factors early can sometimes help reduce the chance of serious injury, but in high-impact sports like football, no level of preparation can eliminate risk entirely.

How Ankle Fractures Are Treated

Treatment for an ankle fracture depends on the type of fracture, its location, and whether the bones are displaced (moved out of their normal position). After initial injury, medical evaluation typically begins with imaging such as X-rays to confirm the diagnosis and pinpoint the exact fracture pattern. More advanced imaging may be used if additional soft tissue damage is suspected.

Some ankle fractures are considered stable and can be treated with immobilization using a brace or walking boot. However, unstable or displaced fractures often require surgical repair to realign the bones. Surgery commonly involves the use of hardware such as plates and screws that help hold bone fragments in place while they heal. Decisions about surgery are made based on how the fracture affects ankle stability and function. 

After surgery, the ankle is typically immobilized while the bone begins to heal, and swelling is monitored closely. In many cases, physical therapy is gradually introduced to help restore mobility, strength, and balance once the initial bone healing phase is complete.

What Recovery Typically Looks Like

Ankle fractures generally take several weeks to months to heal fully. The initial bone healing phase is often around eight to ten weeks, but soft tissues such as ligaments and tendons may require additional time to regain full function. 

Recovery timelines vary widely depending on the severity of the fracture, the need for surgical repair, and the individual’s age and overall health. Even after bones heal, stiffness, muscle weakness, and reduced balance can linger. Guided rehabilitation is essential to safely return to full activity, especially in athletes.

For high-level athletes, return to play timelines are carefully managed. Medical teams assess not only pain and swelling but also strength, stability, and the ability to perform sport-specific movements before clearing someone to return to competition.

Life After Recovery: Long-Term Ankle Health

Healing a fractured ankle is only the first step toward long-term health. Without proper rehabilitation, many people experience lingering stiffness, weakness, or balance problems that raise the risk of future sprains or discomfort during activity.

Effective rehabilitation focuses on restoring:

• Normal range of motion

• Muscle strength around the ankle and lower leg

• Balance and coordination

• Safe movement patterns

Even after full recovery, some individuals choose supportive measures such as tailored footwear, taping, or braces during high-risk activities to protect the joint.

It’s important to follow medical guidance and avoid rushing back into intense activity before the soft tissues are fully prepared. Returning too early increases the risk of reinjury.

Trusted Ankle and Foot Care at Legacy Foot & Ankle

An ankle fracture like the one Bo Nix experienced highlights how vulnerable the ankle joint can be, even in elite athletes. Whether an injury happens in sports or everyday life, proper evaluation and individualized care are essential to supporting safe recovery and long-term function.

At Legacy Foot & Ankle, our board-certified podiatric physicians specialize in diagnosing and treating ankle injuries at every stage. From initial assessment and imaging to guided rehabilitation and return-to-activity planning, we provide comprehensive care tailored to your needs.

If you are experiencing persistent ankle pain, instability, or difficulty returning to your regular activities after an injury, a professional evaluation may help identify the best next steps. Learn more about how we help patients recover by scheduling an appointment.