The Denver Broncos will officially be without leading rusher J.K. Dobbins for Sunday’s AFC West showdown against the Kansas City Chiefs.
Dobbins’ designation was no surprise after the veteran running back, who entered the week ranked fifth in the NFL with 772 rushing yards, missed all three days of practice with a foot injury he suffered in last week’s 10-7 win against the Las Vegas Raiders. Dobbins sustained the injury in the third quarter with what he said was a hip-drop tackle by Raiders defensive end Tyree Wilson, though no penalty was called. He shared an expletive-laden post on X the day after the game, calling on the league to “ban or at least call” hip-drop tackles.
The injury could cost Dobbins multiple games as the team continues to evaluate recovery options. A final determination as to whether he will land on IR, and thus miss at least four games, would likely come Saturday.
Next man up
The absence of Dobbins, who has been Denver’s most consistent offensive force this season, should mean an increased role for rookie RJ Harvey. Harvey, a second-round pick out of Central Florida, has rushed 50 times this season for 214 yards and two touchdowns. He has also become the team’s top weapon in the passing game out of the backfield with 25 catches for 175 yards and four more scores.
“I’m ready,” Harvey said Friday. “Whatever coach needs me to do on the field, I had a great week of practice and I’m ready to go.”
The Dobbins injury will likely also mean third-year running back Jaleel McLaughlin, a healthy scratch in all but one of Denver’s games this season, will be active and a part of the run-game plan. McLaughlin has made the roster three straight seasons since joining the team as an undrafted free agent in 2023, but the additions of Dobbins and Harvey, and the emergence of Tyler Badie as the team’s third-down and two-minute-drill back, have relegated McLaughlin to a No. 4 role.
“He’ll be ready,” coach Sean Payton said of McLaughlin.
Other injuries
The Broncos will also be without star cornerback Pat Surtain II for a third straight game as he recovers from a pectoral injury. Linebacker Alex Singleton (illness), outside linebacker Jonah Elliss (hamstring) and tight end Nate Adkins (knee) were also ruled out for Sunday’s game.
Linebacker Garret Wallow (hamstring), who had his 21-day window to return from injured reserve activated this week, is listed as questionable. If the Broncos activate Wallow, they’ll need to make a move elsewhere to create a spot on the 53-man roster.