The Denver Broncos will take on the New England Patriots in the AFC Championship Game this weekend.
Who is Ben DiNucci? Broncos signed former QB after Bo Nix’s injury
A dramatic overtime victory ensured that the Denver Broncos will take their place in next Sunday’s AFC Championship Game. But a freak injury means that they will be without their starting quarterback.
In the dying seconds of the 30-33 win over the Buffalo Bills on Saturday, Broncos QB Bo Nix suffered a right ankle fracture. He will undergo surgery on Tuesday and is ruled out for the remainder of the postseason journey.
In his place, Jarrett Stidham will step in as quarterback for the AFC Championship Game. With Stidham elevated to the role of starter, the Broncos have turned to a former player to add another option at QB.
It has come to my attention that a team may be in need of my services…
— Ben DiNucci (@B_DiNucci6) January 18, 2026
Good thing my schedule is open this week.
Broncos country…
Let’s go get a Super Bowl ? pic.twitter.com/4DVBWYzmRS
Ben DiNucci returns to the Broncos
Stepping up as backup for the Broncos next weekend, Ben DiNucci returns to the team where he was an practice squad member in 2023.
DiNucci, now 29, was drafted by the Dallas Cowboys with the 231st pick of the 2020 NFL Draft. He made just three appearances with the Cowboys across two years, before being waived in 2022.
He then spent a year in the XFL with the Seattle Sea Dragons, going 7-3 and leading the league for passing yards (2,671), attempts (374) and completions (272).
Since then, DiNucci has been signed to practice squads for the Broncos (2023), Bills (2024), Saints (2024) and Falcons (2025), before returning to Denver.
He has not made a single NFL appearance since going 21 for 40 in a 23-9 loss for the Cowboys in November 2020. Broncos fans will hope that he is not called upon this season.
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