The Denver Broncos put off making a decision on running back J.K. Dobbins following his foot injury suffered in Week 10 against the Las Vegas Raiders. However, on the eve of facing the Kansas City Chiefs in Week 11, the Broncos could delay no longer.
Dobbins will miss the rest of the season
It is a significant loss for the Broncos. They are 8-2 entering Week 11 despite navigating a string of significant injuries to key players.
Broncos Place RB J.K. Dobbins on Injured Reserve
GettyJ.K. Dobbins #27 of the Denver Broncos reacts against the Las Vegas Raiders
“Broncos RB J.K. Dobbins will be placed on injured reserve with a foot injury that requires surgery and likely end his season, per ESPN sources,” ESPN’s Adam Schefter reported on X on November 15. “Dobbins sustained the injury on a hip-drop tackle during the Broncos’ Thursday night win against the Raiders. Set to become a free agent after the year, Dobbins was fifth in the league in rushing and is expected to make a full recovery.
“He has been productive and popular in Denver, and the Broncos have wanted him to return.”
Dobbins, 26, rushed for 772 yards and 4 touchdowns on 153 carries and another 37 yards on 11 receptions for the Broncos through 10 weeks. Dobbins signed a one-year, $2 million contract with the Broncos this past offseason.
That was after spending 2024 with the Los Angeles Chargers and, before that, the Baltimore Ravens, who drafted him in the second round (No. 55 overall) in the 2022 draft.
However, his troubling injury history, while not his fault, has caught up to him and the Broncos.
“Not a big surprise at this point but a brutal blow still,” The Denver Post’s Parker Gabriel posted on X on November 15. “Dobbins is going to have to have surgery on the foot. So, unclear what the return timeline looks like but no guarantee he’s back in four games.”
J.K. Dobbins Dealing With Potentially Career-Threatening ‘Lisfranc Injury’
GettyJ.K. Dobbins #27 of the Denver Broncos greets teammates before facing the Las Vegas Raiders.
Per 9News’ Mike Klis, who cited sources familiar with the situation, Dobbins suffered a “Lisfranc injury,” prompting the need for surgery.
“Lisfranc (midfoot) injuries result if bones in the midfoot are broken or the ligaments that support the midfoot are torn,” per OrthoInfo.com. “The severity of a Lisfranc injury can vary widely — from a simple injury involving one midfoot joint to a complex injury involving many midfoot joints and broken bones.”
Per the site, surgery is “recommended.”
Dobbins’ specific case could vary, but the “rare” injury has been known to significantly alter players’ careers.
“For elite athletes, Lisfranc injuries can be career-threatening,” UTSWMed.org’s Dane Wakich, M.D., wrote in October 2022. “If a running back gets a cleat stuck in the ground, the twisting motion can cause a Lisfranc dislocation or tear.”
Broncos UDFA in for Significant Opportunity
GettyJaleel McLaughlin #38 of the Denver Broncos runs the ball against the Buffalo Bills.
A lot of attention has gone to rookie running back RJ Harvey in light of Dobbins’ injury. However, KOA’s Benjamin Allbright believes former undrafted free agent Jaleel McLaughlin could make his presence felt. Tyler Badie should maintain his role.
“Harvey will have a bit of an expanded role, but my gut says Jaleel McLaughlin is going to be vulturing up stuff on early downs,” Allbright posted on X on November 14.
“Badie will remain the 3rd down/pass pro back.”
Badie was notably a sixth-round selection by the Ravens in Dobbins’ 2022 draft class. He never suited up for the organization, though. The Broncos signed Badie off Baltimore’s practice squad as a rookie.
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