Bo Nix's injury thrusts Jarrett Stidham into the starter role, while Ben DiNucci provides experienced, familiar depth for Denver's playoff push.
The collective gasp heard across the Rockies on Saturday night wasn’t just the altitude, rather it was the sound of a season potentially fracturing alongside Bo Nix’s right ankle. After a gritty overtime victory against the Buffalo Bills, the Denver Broncos find themselves in the most bittersweet position in sports: headed to the AFC Championship, but without the rookie phenom who led them there.
In a move that feels both nostalgic and pragmatic, Sean Payton has filled that roster void by signing Ben DiNucci to the practice squad. While some fans were clamoring for a "Hollywood" ending, the DiNucci signing is a masterclass in roster management under fire.
Comfort Over Flash
Let’s be honest, at this stage of the postseason, you aren't looking for a savior, you're looking for a "plug-and-play" asset. DiNucci, a former New Orleans Saint and Dallas Cowboy, spent the entire 2023 season in Denver. He knows the verbiage. He knows the cafeteria. Most importantly, he knows the intricacies of Sean Payton’s notoriously complex playbook.
The "Stidham" Era Begins (Again)
The DiNucci signing is also a massive vote of confidence in Jarrett Stidham. By bringing in a depth piece rather than a big-name veteran, Payton is signaling to his locker room that the plan hasn't changed. Stidham has been in this system for three years, he really isn't a "backup" in the eyes of the coaching staff, he’s a starter who’s been waiting for his cue.
Payton has been vocal about Stidham’s accuracy, even joking that he’s occasionally made the Broncos' top-tier defense look bad in practice. In the playoffs, continuity is a superpower. Signing a quarterback who doesn't need a translator for the play-calls ensures that the Broncos' offensive momentum doesn't stall out.
Why Not a Legend?
Social media was ablaze with theories of Drew Brees coming out of retirement for one last ride. While the "Sean Payton-Drew Brees" reunion is a beautiful thought, but the reality is governed by NFL rules and physical logistics. Between trade deadlines and retirement list restrictions, those moves were never actually on the table.
The Outcome
The Broncos are in a "next man up" reality. Bo Nix’s season ended in the most heroic way possible—playing two more snaps on a broken ankle to set up the game-winning field goal.
By signing DiNucci, the Broncos aren't trying to replace Nix’s magic. They are securing their floor so that Stidham can chase the ceiling. It’s a low-risk, high-familiarity move that keeps the focus where it belongs…..on the New England Patriots and the road to Super Bowl LX.