What’s the toughest part of playing in the NFL? For many, it’s not just the competition—it’s the injuries. No matter how strong or skilled a player is, injuries are inevitable in such a high-impact sport. Some recover quickly, while others see their careers cut short. Each season, teams lose key players, forcing them to adapt. But the big question is: isn’t the league doing more to prevent injuries? Well, that is a question for ex-Broncos star Aaron Patrick.

Back in 2022, Patrick suffered a season-ending knee injury during the Broncos vs. Chargers game. What happened was Patrick stepped on a mat while trying to avoid colliding with an NFL official, who was positioned on the sidelines, and that unfortunately did not go well for him. The 28-year-old claimed that his foot got caught in the mats and cords, resulting in his knee bending awkwardly. Why were there mats on the sidelines, though? Well, the mats were placed there to cover the cords and cables of the leagues’ instant replay monitors.

It did not end there, though. Following the game, Patrick sued the NFL, L.A. Chargers, ESPN, and even the mat company. His lawsuit alleged that the league failed to ensure safe sideline conditions, leading to his season-ending injury. His attorney criticized the use of inexpensive mats at a stadium that cost billions to build, arguing that player safety should be a top priority.​ Eventually, in 2023, the NFL and the Chargers were dismissed from the lawsuit due to collective bargaining agreements, and now earlier this week, a conditional settlement with the other parties was reached.

This means Patrick likely reached an agreement to resolve his claims without going to trial, though details of the settlement have not been disclosed. Patrick’s attorney, though, said: “The case settled under terms of strict confidentiality. All I can say is that my client is looking forward towards an opportunity to return to a career in the NFL.” Following this, NFL spokesman Brian McCarthy also addressed the issue, as he made it absolutely clear that the settlement was with other defendants and not the NFL or the Chargers.

With the settlement, Patrick moves forward, but his case does serve as a reminder that injuries in the NFL don’t always come from tackles—sometimes, they happen in ways players least expect. While Patrick’s injury battle has been settled off the field, the Broncos have had another injury concern—this time with their rising star quarterback, Bo Nix.

Is Broncos Quarterback Bo Nix still injured?

One of the biggest highlights of the season for the Broncos was rookie QB Bo Nix. Just look at his performance: Nix threw for 3,775 yards and had an 89.7% completion rate in the Broncos’ 38-0 victory over the Chiefs in Week 18. Yes, 89.7%—the highest single-game completion rate by a rookie (minimum 25 attempts) in NFL history. Simply outstanding!

Now there were some concerns about Nix’s fitness that had left fans worried. And there’s good news—Nix’s offseason procedure went well, and he’s already back in training. Broncos GM George Payton shared the update: “I’m not going to talk about injuries, but he’s fine. He’s back at the facility. He’s working out. He’s going to be good.” That’s certainly great news for Broncos fans.

Injuries are an unfortunate reality of the NFL, affecting both rookies and veterans alike. While the league continues to implement safety measures, unpredictable incidents like Patrick’s injury highlight the challenges of completely preventing them. For players like Nix, recovering quickly is key to maintaining momentum, while for others like Patrick, injuries can lead to career uncertainty. One thing remains clear—staying healthy is just as crucial as talent when it comes to last in the league.