JK Dobbins’ Season Ends After Foot Injury Places Broncos RB on IR

The Denver Broncos’ steady climb up the AFC standings hit a significant setback this week with confirmation that running back JK Dobbins will miss the remainder of the season. The 26-year-old was injured during Thursday night’s narrow 10-7 victory over the Las Vegas Raiders, leaving both his short-term availability and long-term status in immediate question.

By midweek, clarity arrived. Denver placed Dobbins on injured reserve, and further evaluation revealed that his foot injury requires surgery—effectively ending what had been a resurgent first campaign with the franchise. The injury occurred on a hip-drop tackle, a technique that has drawn heightened scrutiny across the league for its role in several high-profile injuries.

Before going down, Dobbins had been one of the NFL’s most productive rushers, ranking fifth in the league in yardage while providing Denver with consistency and explosiveness in a ground game that had become central to its offensive identity. His 77.2 rushing yards per game marked a career high and showcased the form that made him a coveted offseason addition.

Now, the Broncos must reshape their backfield approach as they press into the season’s most demanding stretch. With a pivotal AFC West matchup against Kansas City looming, the team faces both a personnel adjustment and the challenge of maintaining offensive balance without its lead rusher.

1. Dobbins’ Breakout Season Cut Short

Dobbins’ debut season in Denver had revitalized his profile just as he approached free agency. Over 10 games, the former second-round pick accumulated 772 rushing yards and four touchdowns, consistently anchoring a Broncos offense built on ball control and steady tempo. His ability to produce on early downs had played a major role in supporting the team’s strong start. The timing of the injury—both in the context of the season and Dobbins’ contract status—adds a layer of uncertainty. Although early reports indicate he is expected to make a full recovery, the recovery timeline places his offseason plans and potential market value in flux. Denver, having invested heavily in improving its run game, now confronts both a short-term competitive impact and long-term personnel considerations. League sources noted that the injury stemmed from a hip-drop tackle, a move that has drawn increased league attention for the strain it puts on lower extremities. While no change to the rules has been finalized, plays like this continue to intensify conversation around player safety and technique-related injuries. For Denver, Dobbins’ loss is more than statistical—it removes a stabilizing force from an offense that relied on his efficiency to create manageable downs, sustain drives, and limit the burden on the passing game.

2. Next Man Up in Denver’s Backfield

With Dobbins sidelined, the Broncos are expected to lean heavily on rookie RJ Harvey, who has shown flashes in limited action. His acceleration and comfort in zone concepts align with Denver’s system, but the workload he now inherits marks a substantial jump in responsibility. The coaching staff has praised his preparation, and Sunday’s matchup may serve as his first true feature opportunity. Tyler Badie and Jaleel McLaughlin are also poised to see expanded roles. Both backs bring complementary skill sets—Badie as a change-of-pace receiver and McLaughlin as an undersized but explosive runner. Denver may deploy a committee approach, at least initially, as it determines who can best replicate Dobbins’ consistency. The redistribution of carries will test Denver’s offensive depth, particularly as it approaches a stretch of games against physical front sevens. Maintaining balance remains essential; without it, the offense risks becoming one-dimensional, limiting its ability to control tempo and field position. Still, the Broncos have navigated adversity throughout the season, and their confidence in internal development could shape how the backfield evolves over the coming weeks.

3. Broncos Look to Maintain Momentum in AFC West Race

Denver enters Week 11 at 8-2, poised for one of its strongest midseason positions in years. The upcoming meeting with Kansas City carries weight beyond rivalry; a win would secure further separation in the division and reinforce the Broncos’ legitimacy as contenders. The challenge, however, grows without Dobbins, whose reliability on early downs has often set the tone for Denver’s offense. Establishing the run against Kansas City’s disciplined defense will require efficiency from Harvey and a steady hand from the offensive line. The Broncos may lean more on their passing game early in games to create space for the ground attack later. Still, the defense’s strong performances have kept Denver competitive even during offensive lulls, giving the team flexibility in its approach. As the postseason picture sharpens, the Broncos’ ability to adapt without their top rusher will influence not just individual matchups but the broader trajectory of their season.