NFL Insider Ian Rapoport reported via X that Denver Broncos quarterback Bo Nix attended his scheduled re-check with Dr. Norman Waldrop last week. Nix underwent a successful, anticipated follow-up cleanup procedure on his fractured right ankle. He had his first surgery to repair a broken right ankle in January 2026.
Bo Nix Latest Injury Update: Broncos QB to Join by Training Camp but Denver Tied to Aaron Rodgers
Rapoport added that the Denver Broncos have been conservative with Nix's participation in the offseason program. However, Nix continues to make strong recovery progress and will be ready for the start of training camp. The Broncos' mandatory minicamp is scheduled for June 16-18, 2026, and training camp is expected to start in late July 2026. Until July, Nix may not be able to practice, leaving room for speculation about a new quarterback. Enter Aaron Rodgers.
Conspiracy Theory Emerges
As soon as Nix's injury update surfaced, 93.7 The Fan host Andrew Fillipponi created a conspiracy theory involving Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Aaron Rodgers and the Denver Broncos. Fillipponi suggested that Nix's injury and recovery are worse than originally feared, and the Steelers are worried that Rodgers may consider an offer from Denver. Shortly after the injury news broke, the Steelers intervened and applied an Unrestricted Free Agent tender on Rodgers. If Rodgers signs with Denver, Pittsburgh will receive a compensatory draft pick. This move protects the Steelers and also allows Rodgers to sign elsewhere if he plans a return but not to Pittsburgh.
Compensatory Pick and Trade Implications
Sports Illustrated's Noah Strackbein reports that aside from a compensatory draft pick, Pittsburgh also holds Rodgers' rights after July 22, 2026, which would force a trade if he were to join another franchise. Pro Football Talk's Mike Florio projected Rodgers for Denver, linking Nix's Broncos to the Steelers' Rodgers. Florio wrote, "There's talk of the Broncos possibly bringing Rodgers in for a visit. The motivation comes from the possibility that current starter Bo Nix won't be fully and completely back to 100 percent when Week 1 rolls around." This theory was floated after the 2026 NFL League Meetings but did not gain traction initially. Now, post-draft, with the Steelers placing a UFA tender on Rodgers, it is attracting significant attention.
Timing of Cleanup Procedure
Adding fuel to the fire, Nix underwent a cleanup procedure just two months before training camp was set to begin. This could leave Sean Payton's team in dire need of a quarterback. Whether Aaron Rodgers would want a deal with the Denver Broncos remains to be seen.
