J.K. Dobbins’ Lisfranc injury in Week 10 knocked the Broncos’ running game for a loop. But just as the team is coping with the loss of starting quarterback Bo Nix to a fractured ankle, it could be poised to welcome back its leading rusher for the season just when it needs him the post.
The Broncos will open the practice window for the six-year veteran running back this week, creating the possibility that Dobbins could play in next Sunday’s AFC Championship Game against the New England Patriots. ESPN’s Adam Schefter was first to report the news.
Denver would have up to 21 days from Dobbins’ first practice snap to decide whether to activate Dobbins to its 53-player roster. Last week, he was seen on a side practice field working out as he continued to do rehabilitation and recovery work.
At the time Dobbins succumbed, it appeared likely that he would miss the remainder of the season. But in the days and weeks that followed, gleams of optimism began to emerge regarding a potential comeback before the end of the postseason for the Ohio State product.
As far back as Nov. 26, Broncos coach Sean Payton opened the door just a crack to the possibility of a return before the end of the postseason, saying Dobbins could return, “but it won’t be soon.”
Dobbins’ career has been sensationally productive — when he’s been healthy.
Unfortunately, Dobbins has missed more games to injury than he’s played since breaking into the league in 2020 as a Baltimore Ravens draft pick. So far this season, he’s played in 10 games, missing nine, including Saturday’s overtime playoff thriller against the Buffalo Bills.
IF DOBBINS PLAYS, WHAT WOULD HIS WORKLOAD BE?
That would be the primary question should the Broncos determine that he’s ready to go for Sunday’s clash.
Typically with players coming off multi-month injuries, the team eases them back into the rotation. For example, left guard Ben Powers played just 23 snaps in his return to the lineup Dec. 21 against the Jacksonville Jaguars after missing nine games due to a torn biceps. He saw 41 snaps four days later at Kansas City and then worked every offensive play in the regular-season finale against the Los Angeles Chargers.
Denver took a similar approach with inside linebacker Dre Greenlaw upon his Week 7 debut in a Broncos uniform when he returned from quadriceps issues that hindered him since April.
In Dobbins’ absence, RJ Harvey assumed the starting role, with Jaleel McLaughlin returning to the active game-day roster to see extra work. Tyler Badie continued to handle his assignment as a primary third-down back.
Harvey flourished as a pass-catcher and a red-zone threat in those games without Dobbins, accumulating 37 receptions while tallying six touchdowns for a total season tally of 12. He ran for 346 yards and averaged 3.39 yards per carry in the eight games without Dobbins to date. McLaughlin has run for 208 yards and has averaged 5.2 yards per attempt in the last eight contests.
