Denver’s preseason hopes received a boost on Friday night when quarterback Bo Nix returned to live action after undergoing surgery for a broken right ankle suffered in the 2025 playoffs. Nix completed six of nine passes for 76 yards and a 21‑yard touchdown pass to wide receiver R.J. Harvey, marking a successful comeback for the young signal‑caller.
The touchdown came just two plays after Nix connected with speedster Jaylen Waddle on a 35‑yard gain, setting up the scoring drive. Despite the early spark, the Broncos were unable to sustain momentum. Green Bay’s quarterback Jordan Love led a 12‑play, 63‑yard drive that ended with an 11‑yard touchdown pass to Lloyd, giving the Packers a 7‑0 lead.
Key moments and scoring summary
After the Packers took the early lead, Denver responded when Pierre Strong Jr. returned the ensuing kickoff 68 yards, positioning the Broncos for a field‑goal attempt. Wil Lutz converted a 53‑yard field goal, narrowing the gap.
Green Bay answered with a 2‑yard touchdown catch by former Colorado receiver Will Sheppard from a pass by Tyrod Taylor, extending the lead to 17‑10. Denver’s kicker Trey Smack added three field goals — 59, 44 and 38 yards — but the Packers maintained control.
Late in the second quarter, Packers cornerback Riley Moss recovered a fumble by Christian Watson, though a review later determined Watson’s knee was down before the ball was stripped. Moss left the game later with a rib injury.
In the third quarter, Packers running back Jaden Nixon rushed for a 3‑yard touchdown, pushing the score to 30‑13. Denver added a final field goal with just over a minute left, but the final tally stood at 33‑13 in favor of Green Bay.
What’s next for the teams
The Broncos will host the Minnesota Vikings in their next preseason matchup on Friday, giving Nix another opportunity to build chemistry with his receivers and demonstrate his health ahead of the regular season.
Green Bay will welcome the Arizona Cardinals on Friday night, looking to fine‑tune its offense and defense before the start of the regular season.
Both teams used the preseason to evaluate depth players and assess the recovery progress of key starters. For Denver fans, Nix’s return is a positive sign that the quarterback will be ready for the upcoming campaign.
Original reporting: Alexandria, VA News – WTOP News — read the source article.
