Broncos' Bo Nix throws for TD in return from ankle injury - ESPN

DENVER — For Denver Broncos quarterback Bo Nix, Friday's preseason game against the Green Bay Packers was an «easy'' reentry into the lineup that was eight months in the making.

»[I was] excited, not really nervous,'' said Nix, who had two offseason surgeries to repair a fractured right ankle. «I knew it was just going to be a few plays and wanted to see the production.''

In 14 snaps, Nix finished 6-of-9 passing for 76 yards and a touchdown in what was otherwise a downer of an evening for the Broncos in a 33-13 loss to the Packers.

Among those snaps with Nix behind center was wide receiver Jaylen Waddle's first reception since he was traded from the Miami Dolphins — a 35-yard catch-and-run to convert a third down on Denver's opening possession.

Nix was 3-of-4 on that opening series with a 21-yard touchdown pass to running back RJ Harvey to close it out.

»You can't really explain the type of player [Waddle] is, you just got to get out there and play and when you throw him the ball you just understand it's a little bit different, he's just a really great football player,'' Nix said. «He adds a lot to our team.''

And on Harvey's touchdown, Nix added: „The catch he made wasn't necessarily easy… he's a special football player.''

Nix returned for the Denver offense's second possession, a nine-play affair that ended with a 53-yard field goal by Wil Lutz. Coach Sean Payton had said earlier this week he expected Nix, who did not play in the Broncos' preseason opener in Atlanta last week, to play about 14 snaps Friday. He was at 14 just before Lutz trotted out for the field goal.

The field goal was the end of the evening for Nix and most Broncos starters on both sides of the ball, as Jarrett Stidham followed Nix at quarterback and