The impact of late-season injuries on team fortunes can be profound, shifting dynamics and altering championship hopes. A recent example is the Denver Broncos, who faced a major setback with the loss of starting quarterback Bo Nix due to a broken ankle. This injury occurred in the closing moments of a divisional-round playoff game against the Buffalo Bills, which Denver won 33-30. With Nix sidelined, backup quarterback Jarrett Stidham is set to lead the team against the New England Patriots in the AFC Championship Game.
Entering the postseason as the top seed in the AFC, Denver boasted an impressive 8-1 record at home this season. However, the odds have shifted dramatically, with the Patriots now favored by 5.5 points to win the crucial matchup.
Notable Late-Season Injuries in Sports
Injuries during critical moments are not uncommon in sports. These can change the trajectory of a team’s season. Below are some notable instances where injuries to key players altered championship outcomes:
- 2019 Golden State Warriors: Star players Kevin Durant and Klay Thompson suffered injuries during the NBA Finals. Despite winning Game 5, the Warriors ultimately lost the series 4-2 to the Toronto Raptors.
- 1999-2000 Cincinnati Bearcats: Kenyon Martin, the national player of the year, broke his fibula right before the NCAA Tournament. His absence led to a second-round exit for the Bearcats despite a season record of 28-2.
- 2015 Cleveland Cavaliers: Kyrie Irving fractured his kneecap in Game 1 of the finals. Depleted of both him and Kevin Love, the Cavaliers lost to the Warriors in six games.
- 2025 Indiana Pacers: Tyrese Haliburton tore his Achilles in Game 7 of the NBA Finals, causing the Pacers to fall to the Oklahoma City Thunder.
- 2009-2010 Texas Longhorns: Colt McCoy suffered a pinched nerve in the national championship game against Alabama. His replacement could not secure the win, leading to a 37-21 loss.
- 2025 USC Trojans: Juju Watkins injured her ACL during the NCAA Women’s Tournament. Although USC advanced to the Elite Eight, they lost without their top scorer.
- 1975 Boston Red Sox: Jim Rice’s injury in September sidelined him for the postseason, and the Red Sox lost the World Series in a seven-game showdown.
- 2022-2023 San Francisco 49ers: Brock Purdy’s UCL injury in the NFC Championship Game forced him to exit early. The 49ers were defeated by the Eagles, ending their playoff run.
- 2013-2014 Montreal Canadiens: Goaltender Carey Price’s injury in the playoffs led to a series loss against the New York Rangers in the Eastern Conference Finals.
- 2011-2012 Chicago Bulls: Derrick Rose, the youngest MVP, tore his ACL, leading to an early playoff exit and impacting his career significantly.
Conclusion
As seen throughout sports history, late-season injuries can dramatically shift a team’s prospects. The case of the Denver Broncos highlights how quickly fortunes can change, especially when pivotal players are sidelined. Understanding these dynamics is essential for assessing team capabilities and potential outcomes in crucial games.
