The scheduled medical procedure that forced quarterback Bo Nix to opt out of the Pro Bowl festivities involved his ankle, multiple sources confirmed to The Denver Post.
Nix, a fourth alternate for the Pro Bowl, did not want to interrupt his offseason schedule by delaying the surgery in January. It was characterized as a minor clean-up, similar to procedures several players have done after an NFL season. Nix has been a regular at the facility this offseason, facing no limitations in his workouts.
At this time a year ago, the Broncos were beginning their extensive homework that led them to drafting Nix 12th overall. He impressed during his combine workout, but did not run. It was a surprise given his athleticism. Coach Sean Payton said on Tuesday that Nix skipped the running drills because of a turf toe injury.
As such, Nix’s speed was a pleasant surprise when he arrived for rookie minicamp. Nix posted 4,207 combined yards passing (3,775), rushing (430) and receiving (two) with 34 touchdowns.
Sanders’ inside job: The Broncos are moving forward with Drew Sanders at inside linebacker. He has bounced around during his Broncos career from inside to outside. A star in his first rookie minicamp in 2023, he was limited to four games last year as he recovered from offseason Achilles surgery.
“Right now he will be inside. Last year we kind of went into the offseason with the edge idea, and then we have kind of progressed enough where he’s going to work inside. It’s kind of how the season finished and we are going to keep him right there,” Payton said.
Sanders could push Cody Barton and Alex Singleton for playing time if the Broncos don’t pursue free agents like Philadelphia’s Zack Baun and Kansas City’s Nick Bolton.
Footnotes: Payton discussed the hiring of new special teams coach Darren Rizzi, “calling him a tremendous teacher.” Payton is expected to announce coaching staff additions soon with assistant offensive line coach and assistant special teams among the positions that will be filled. Outside linebackers coach Michael Wilhoite’s future remains uncertain as the team allows the legal issue to unfold. Wilhoite, 38, is facing a single charge of felony assault after being accused of punching a police officer at Denver International Airport on Sunday as he pulled up to the drop-off lane. A NFL spokesman told The Post that Wilhoite’s incident will be reviewed as part of the league’s personal conduct policy. … Paton said the Broncos would “love” to have free agent nose guard D.J. Jones back. Jones is 30, but is considered a solid run stuffer. … Payton on coaching in the AFC West with Andy Reid, Pete Carroll and Jim Harbaugh. “I am the youngest (at age 61). Thanks Pete.”
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