Bo Nix shines in return from broken ankle, but Broncos fall to Packers 33-13

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Denver Broncos quarterback Bo Nix (10) throws against the Green Bay Packers during the first half of an NFL preseason football game Friday, Aug. 21, 2026, in Denver. (AP Photo/David Zalubowski)

Green Bay Packers running back Jaden Nixon (35) is tackled against the Denver Broncos during the second half of an NFL preseason football game Friday, Aug. 21, 2026, in Denver. (AP Photo/David Zalubowski) — Denver Broncos quarterback Bo Nix (10) throws against the Green Bay Packers during the first half of an NFL preseason football game Friday, Aug. 21, 2026, in Denver. (AP Photo/David Zalubowski)

Audio By Carbonatix

12:10 AM on Saturday, August 22

By ARNIE STAPLETON

DENVER (AP) — Bo Nix 's 21-yard touchdown toss to R.J. Harvey two plays after hooking up with new speedster Jaylen Waddle for 35 yards highlighted the Denver quarterback's return successful return from a broken ankle in the Broncos' 33-13 loss to the Green Bay Packers on Friday night.

Nix's second and final series ended with a 53-yard field goal from Wil Lutz, but Pierre Strong Jr. returned the ensuing kickoff 68 yards, setting up Trey Smack's first of four field goals, a 51-yarder that tied it at 10.

Nix completed 6 of 9 passes for 76 yards and the touchdown in his first live action for the Broncos (1-1) since breaking his right ankle against Buffalo in the playoffs seven months ago. He underwent surgery in January and had a follow-up procedure to remove bone spurs in the spring.

The Packers (1-1) snapped Denver's eight-game winning streak in the preseason.

Jordan Love drove Green Bay on a 12-play, 63-yard touchdown drive in his only series, which he capped with an 11-yard touchdown throw to Lloyd for a 7-0 lead.

That series looked short-lived when cornerback Riley Moss recovered Christian Watson's fumble on the second play of the game, but a review determined Watson's knee was down just as the Pat Surtain II was ripping the ball out of Watson's arms.

Moss, who's had a terrific training camp and had an interception in Denver's 27-7 win over Atlanta in the Broncos' preseason opener, left the game with a rib injury later in that drive and didn't return.

Former University of Colorado receiver Will Sheppard's toe-dragging 2-yard touchdown catch from Tyrod Taylor gave Green Bay a 17-10 lead and Smack kicked field goals of 59 and 44 yards sandwiched around Mark Perry's interception of Broncos backup Jarrett Stidham's pass to send Green Bay into halftime with a 23-10 lead.

Jaden Nixon's 3-yard TD run made it 30-13 and Smack added a 38-yard field goal with 1:05 remaining.

Up next

Packers: Host Arizona on Friday night.

Broncos: Host Minnesota on Friday night.

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