The Denver Broncos listed running back J.K. Dobbins as a non-participant in the first practice session of Week 11 as he navigates a foot injury. Broncos head coach Sean Paytonâs comments about Dobbins drew even more attention ahead of a pivotal Week 11.
Dobbins was injured in Week 10 on âThursday Night Footballâ on a tackle by Las Vegas Raiders defensive end Tyree Wilson. Dobbins downplayed it, but Denver is considering injured reserve.
For now, Dobbins and the Broncos remain in a noteworthy state of limbo.
Broncosâ Sean Payton Raises Eyebrows With J.K. Dobbins Comments
GettyJ.K. Dobbins #27 of the Denver Broncos greets teammates before facing the Las Vegas Raiders.
Payton met with the media to begin Week 11, and he noted that the Broncos have not yet decided whether or not to place Dobbins on injured reserve. They already drew attention for not placing him on IR to begin the week amid a flurry of roster decisions.
âNothingâs been decided yet,â Payton told reporters on November 12. âAt some point, thereâll be more clarity with him and some of these other players.â
Dobbin, 26, has rushed for 772 yards and 4 touchdowns on 153 carries this season.
In addition to Dobbins, the Broncos are without star cornerback and reigning Defensive Player of the Year Pat Surtain II and starting right guard Ben Powers. While Payton was not definitive, other comments made during his media availability suggested Dobbins would miss time.
Sean Payton Touts Broncosâ RBs Amid J.K. Dobbins Injury
GettyRJ Harvey #12 of the Denver Broncos scores a touchdown against the Cincinnati Bengals.
Payton suggested rookie second-round pick RJ Harvey could receive a larger workload in Week 11, when the Broncos will face the Kansas City Chiefs. That may hold, even if Dobbins manages to play.
However, Payton also named-dropped former coaching staff darling Jaleel McLaughlin, who has played in one game this season, Week 6 against the New York Jets.
Rookie wideout Pat Bryant, the Broncosâ third-round pick, also received kudos.
âWhen we drafted him, it was his running skill set and, man, he had a lot of touches,â Payton told media members. âThen, you have experience in a guy like Jaleel, whoâs explosive and has been chomping at the bit.
âI think sometimes players are not held back. But when youâre watching Pat Bryant grow right in front of our eyes, and youâre starting to see that with RJ â and, obviously, heâll have more opportunities here um in this game. So, yeah. Heâs built. When you see his frame, heâs built to last, and thatâs important.â
RJ Harvey Built to Withstand Large Workload
GettyRJ Harvey #12 of the Denver Broncos runs the ball against the San Francisco 49ers
Paytonâs recent comments closely align with what the veteran head coach said about Harveyâs size before the season. Durability is even more important for Harvey, a former who tore his ACL in college, with Dobbins injured.
âI know the question is, âIs he a three-down back?â Well, heâs going to play on third down,â Payton told reporters in May. âIf you watch his stature ⦠heâs put together pretty well. So, thereâs a difference between a small runner and a short runner. Weâre not interested in the small runners, but weâre okay with the short runners.â
Harvey has 214 yards and 2 TDs on 50 carries, adding another 175 yards and 4 scores on 25 receptions.
How the Broncos balance Harveyâs workload if Dobbins sits is the key against the Chiefs.
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