Broncos made history with backup QBs that's coming back to bite them after Bo Nix's injury

The Denver Broncos were dealt some crushing news after their massive win over the Buffalo Bills, as quarterback Bo Nix was revealed to have a broken ankle and will miss the rest of the season.

Now, the Broncos will have to turn to backup quarterback Jarrett Stidham to lead the offense. While Stidham isn't the worst backup quarterback, there is one major issue for Denver beyond relying on a backup at the most important position.

As Roger Sherman of Sports! shared on Twitter/x, the Broncos haven't had their backup quarterback have a passing attempt each of the last two years. They're the only team to do so both of these seasons, a cruel twist now that they need their backup going forward.

Broncos face cruel reality amid backup QB history

Sherman posted that the Broncos were the only team in the NFL this season (and last) to not have their backup quarterback attempt a pass this season.

That's not entirely accurate, as the Los Angeles Rams didn't have their backup quarterback play this season, and in 2024, the Cincinnati Bengals didn't rely on a backup at any point either.

But that's it. Every other team in the NFL over the last two seasons has had its backup quarterback come in for at least one passing attempt this season.

While the Rams and Bengals have done so, the Broncos are the only team to have had this happen each of the last two seasons.

More: Broncos' Jarrett Stidham set for football history not done in NFL since Cowboys' Roger Staubach in 1972

That's why the Broncos needing to rely on their backup right as they're on the doorstep to the Super Bowl is so cruel.

Denver has seen only Bo Nix man the quarterback spot the last two seasons, and his injury happened at one of the worst times possible.

Now, Stidham will lead the offense for the Broncos, as he'll be making his first throws in an NFL game (non-preseason) since the 2023 season.

It's been two years since the Broncos had a backup come in and play, which highlights just how much the Broncos will need to overcome to win this upcoming AFC Championship game against either the New England Patriots or the Houston Texans.

More Broncos news:

• Penalties shift the script as Broncos outlast Bills in OT thriller
• Who is Jarrett Stidham? Broncos backup QB who will take over for Bo Nix
• Bo Nix injury update: Broncos QB suffers season-ending ankle fracture in win over Bills
• Can Broncos sign a free-agent quarterback to replace injured Bo Nix?
• Broncos' Sean Payton shares what Bo Nix said about season-ending ankle injury
• Ja'Quan McMillian OT interception: How Broncos cornerback stole ball from Brandin Cooks and saved Denver's season