Denver Broncos running back J.K. Dobbins could land on the IR, but hasn’t yet.
That’s the good and bad news all in one.
The Broncos are evaluating the next steps as this week progresses.
J.K. Dobbins could end up on IR
In Thursday night’s 10-7 win over the Las Vegas Raiders, Dobbins injured his foot, and could end up on IR.
But the good news is, he hasn’t landed on Injured Reserve as of yet.
Dobbins, who’s had an injury-plagued career to this point, has been healthy during the 2025 season with the Broncos.
That was until a hip-drop tackle injured him and wasn’t called.
Dobbins tweeted this out on Friday. “BAN OR ATLEAST CALL THE MUTHER —– HIP DROP TACKLE!”
I called this when it happened. Al Michaels and Kirk Herbstreit didn’t even notice it. They missed a LOT on TNF.
— Rich Kurtzman 🍃🦃🏈 (@sportsballitics.bsky.social) 2025-11-10T22:48:47.886Z
The Broncos are going to continue to evaluate him as the week goes on. He will try to practice on Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday. Ultimately, the team will likely make the decision to put him on the IR or not on Saturday.
If Dobbins doesn’t go on the IR then, or before, he probably won’t go on at all.
The good news is there are different levels of Injured Reserve now, with a four-game and a season-ending options. So, even if Dobbins does end up on IR, it could be the short-term version.
The Broncos are certainly hoping he doesn’t go on Injured Reserve at all.
Dobbins is currently 5th in yards (772) with a strong 5.0 yards per carry average. He has scored four times and run for 37 first downs, which is eighth-best.
Dobbins has been a crucial piece of the Broncos offense this year that was missing a running game last season. He has five 20-plus yard, explosive runs, which is tied for 6th-most in the league.
Denver (8-2) leads the AFC West but takes on rival Kansas City (5-4) in a basic must-win game for the Chiefs. KC is coming off the bye and are deadly in that situation; Andy Reid is 22-4 all-time coming off the bye week.
If the Broncos don’t have Dobbins, that will be a major blow to their already struggling offense. It would mean rookie R.J. Harvey would take the reins of the running game.
Denver – Kansas City kicks off at 2:25 p.m. MT on Sunday, Nov. 16 at Empower Field at Mile High Stadium.
