The Denver Broncos will face the Atlanta Falcons in their preseason opener Friday at Mercedes-Benz Stadium. But head coach Sean Payton announced Wednesday that franchise quarterback Bo Nix won't play. "Expecting our starters to play around 15 plays," Payton said. "Bo won't play in this game. He'll play next week."

Nix had offseason surgery on his right ankle, an injury that forced him to miss the AFC Championship Game, which the Broncos lost. So it makes sense the team is taking a cautious approach, especially in the first game of the preseason.

With Nix out, that leaves the door open for arguably the most intense and consequential position battle in camp: the backup quarterback race. With Nix set to play more snaps in the next two preseason games, Friday's matchup against Atlanta will be the best opportunity yet for Jarrett Stidham and Sam Ehlinger to make their case for the backup role. Payton revealed after Wednesday's practice that each quarterback will play a half against the Falcons, with Stidham expected to start.

More news: Aaron Rodgers ‘Bummed’ About NFL’s Decision for Packers-Steelers Game

More news: Browns Settle on Starting QB for Preseason Opener vs Bears

The backup QB role matters for any contender, but it carries extra weight in Denver. Last season, Nix carried the Broncos to a 14-3 record and the AFC's top seed. They appeared well on their way to their first Super Bowl appearance since 2015 — until Nix broke his ankle in Denver's divisional-round win over Buffalo. That injury forced him to miss the AFC Championship Game, which Stidham started in his place, only to struggle in a losing effort. Stidham finished 17 of 31 for 133 yards, one touchdown, one interception, and a lost fumble.

Had Nix been healthy — or had Denver had a more battle-tested backup in place — the Broncos might have won that game, and possibly the Super Bowl.

Denver is running it back this season with 20 of 22 starters returning across offense and defense, a roster more than capable of replicating last year's success. But another injury to Nix would put the team in a difficult spot, making it important for the Broncos to settle the backup role before Week 1.

More news: Jayden Daniels Praises New Commanders Teammate Stefon Diggs: ‘He’s a Dog’