The Denver Broncos are kicking off their 2026 preseason tonight, taking on the Falcons in Atlanta, and we already know the starting quarterback Bo Nix is taking a seat. Coach Sean Payton told reporters Nix will NOT play in this game, choosing instead to save him for the next two weeks.
Bo Nix Is Sidelined, For Now
Look, it’s not a huge surprise. Nix is coming off offseason ankle surgery, even though he’s been practicing fully throughout camp. The team just doesn’t want him on the turf when they don’t need him out there. It’s smart, honestly, protecting your guy for when it really counts. So while Broncos Country will need to wait another week to see their starter in action, his absence opens the door wide open for some serious drama at the backup spot.
The “Non-Existent” QB2 Showdown
This is where it gets spicy. Payton might be downplaying it, claiming there isn’t a battle happening, but Jarrett Stidham and Sam Ehlinger are absolutely competing for that QB2 job. They’ve been splitting reps throughout training camp, and tonight, they’re each getting a half to show what they’ve got. Ehlinger, in his second year with the team and in Payton’s offense, has shown some noticeable growth. He’s definitely putting pressure on veteran Stidham.
Payton was pretty clear after Wednesday’s practice, saying both guys are “doing well.” He added, “They’re going to play a half each. Again I’ve said this, they’re focused on their best stuff, and they’re competing against the 31 other quarterbacks, no different than the other positions. So it’s a great room. Those guys get along well. It’ll be good to get them some real game experience and see how they’re doing.” Stidham will probably start, getting snaps with the first-teamers, then with the twos. Ehlinger gets the entire second half, and who knows, maybe that rotation flips in Week 2. Even with Ehlinger’s progress, I’d still be surprised if he bumps Stidham out of the QB2 spot. Stidham is making decent backup money, and he was Payton’s hand-picked guy when he first joined the team. Ehlinger would need to significantly outplay him to make that happen.
Beyond the quarterback circus, there are a few other things to keep an eye on. We’ve got tight end and linebacker competitions heating up, plus the big question of who replaces John Franklin-Myers. It’s all part of the grind, right?
So, grab your snacks and get ready to see some real game action. Tonight is all about getting those QBs some live reps and seeing who steps up under the lights. Next week, we might see a different look for these guys, but for tonight, the pressure is on!
This article was created with AI assistance and published under Seattle On Tap’s editorial standards. See our Editorial Policy.
Originally reported by Mile High Report.
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