Denver Broncos quarterback Bo Nix hasn't looked like the 2024-2025 quarterback who frequently used his legs to extend plays and fight for extra yards this season.
Nix has seemingly turned down opportunities to run this fall, and he's avoided hits that he took on in his first two seasons, leading some fans and pundits to speculate that the QB still has last season's ankle injury on the back of his mind. Nix was asked about the mental aspect of returning from an injury following Wednesday's practice, and the third-year QB admitted that it plays a role in each player's recovery.
"You know, I'd be lying if I said no," Nix said. "I think that's just what happens. I think you come back and you're like, you know, every day is a progression. It's like you're doing
treatment for the whole entire year. And I'm not necessarily doing physical therapy treatment, but I'm out there on the practice field getting rep after rep, trying to get back in super great shape so my carries can go up, so I'm ready when my number's called and when I can run. But I'm not scared; I'm not physically, like, worried. I just think there's something to the sport.
"I think all guys, when they come back from an injury, it's just like doing it one day at a time. I think that's just part of the game, part of the process. You know, I had surgery, probably, I think, six months ago, you know? It takes a while for things to fully re-engage and re-come back, and I'm confident in myself. I know I'm going to get back and be exactly what I was, if not better, because as I get older, that's how it's been. But I do think it's just one game at a time, and my training is going like this (gestures up), and at the end of the day, it's all about getting better."
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Nix said he's not playing scared and he's not worried about getting hurt, but he acknowledged the mental part of returning from an injury. He later reiterated that he feels great, and his speed number has increased in training.
After another week of reps in practice this week, Nix will look to take the next step when the Broncos go on the road to face the Arizona Cardinals in Week 7.
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This article originally appeared on Broncos Wire: Bo Nix acknowledges mental aspect to returning from injury: 'I'd be lying if I said no'
