J.K.

Dobbins

Per Klis, Arkansas RB Mike Washington Jr., Washington RB Jonah Coleman, Kentucky RB Seth McGowan, Nebraska RB Emmett Johnson, Penn State RB Nicholas Singleton and Texas A&M RB Le’Veon Moss are among the “possibilities” at running back. Klis is not declaring that a running back will be the pick. Reports on the Broncos’ backfield simply remain somewhat in flux. The team re-signed veteran RB J.K. Dobbins to a two-year, $20 million contract this offseason and it remains to be seen whether last year’s 60th overall pick, RB RJ Harvey, is a real candidate to be the team’s long-term starter. For now, Dobbins appears to be slated for Week 1 starting duties, but Harvey or a rookie could challenge him for the role.

Denver dabbled in the running back market this offseason, but wound up bringing back JK Dobbins. It does feel like Dobbins will at least open as the lead back, as he did last year, but not being willing to pay a major premium for a back is probably an endorsement of the idea of Harvey breaking out in his second season. This will be a position battle to monitor during OTAs and training camp.

Dobbins was on pace for a career-year in Denver before a foot injury sidelined him for the final seven games of the regular season. In 10 games, Dobbins rushed 153 times for 772 yards and four touchdowns while adding another 11-37-0 through the air. When healthy, the 27-year-old running back was unquestioned RB1, earning 28 percent of the team’s backfield opportunities compared to RJ Harvey’s 13 percent, while also handling 57 percent of the team’s carries. His return undoubtedly puts a cap on Harvey’s rushing upside entering next season, but Harvey should retain some value as a pass-catcher and remains a high-end handcuff while playing behind a player with a lengthy injury history. NFL Network’s Tom Pelissero reports Dobbins will get $8 million guaranteed out of his two-year, $20 million deal.

As well as Dobbins played, this makes plenty of sense. The Broncos stumbled into him in post-draft free agency — he was no primary target — and he (as usual) missed a huge chunk of last season with an injury. With the Russell Wilson cap hold gone, the Broncos could be a sneaky threat for the bigger-name running backs in free agency in 2026. Kosmider does say it would not be “shocking” if Dobbins eventually comes back, but he’s not a priority.

Dobbins is not yet ready to resume playing. He remained limited throughout all three practices this week after the Broncos opened his 21-day practice window on Monday. With Dobbins out, rookie RB RJ Harvey will again lead the backfield. He totaled 11 touches last week. Broncos RB Jaleel McLaughlin handled four and RB Tyler Badie had one.

Dobbins is in the questionable camp at this time. The 27-year-old rusher is attempting to return from a Lisfranc injury suffered during an illegal hip-drop tackle in Week 10 against the Raiders. Ideally, he upgrades to full participation tomorrow.

The Broncos designated Dobbins to return from injured reserve on Monday. He suffered a Lisfranc injury after being hip-drop tackled by a Raiders defender in Week 10. He has a real chance to play in the Broncos’ AFC Championship Game against the Patriots, though we do not yet know whether he will unseat rookie RB RJ Harvey as the starter.

Dobbins will have a chance to practice and suit up for the AFC Championship Game against the Patriots, something head coach Sean Payton hinted at earlier this month. Dobbins suffered a Lisfranc injury in Week 10 and has been sidelined ever since. Dobbins has rushed 153 times for 772 yards and four touchdowns this season while averaging an impressive 5.0 YPC. How this week of practice goes will likely be the deciding factor in whether or not the Broncos choose to activate him from injured reserve, but with Bo Nix (ankle) already out for the remainder of the playoffs, they will take any help they can get from other playmakers.

Nothing is imminent, but this is nice to hear. Initial reports indicated that Dobbins would be unable to return “before a potential Super Bowl LX appearance.” Dobbins also recently “told a fan” that he has a chance to return before that. The veteran running back suffered a Lisfranc injury against the Raiders in Week 10 via an illegal hip-drop tackle. Before suffering the injury, Dobbins had rushed 153 times for 772 yards and four touchdowns, while catching 11-of-14 targets for 37 yards this season.

The foot injury occurred on an illegal hip-drop tackle in the team’s Thursday Night Football game against the Raiders in Week 10. The injury reportedly requires surgery, likely ending Dobbins’ season. Dobbins ranked fifth in the league in rushing prior to the injury while playing on a one-year, prove-it deal in Denver. The team is reportedly interested in bringing the veteran back on a renewed contract this offseason, although the injury could cloud the situation. Rookie RJ Harvey is in line to see an expanded role for the remainder of the season, although Jaleel McLaughlin remains on hand to soak up change of pace snaps on early downs and Tyler Badie should remain involved in passing situations.