While we await official word from the team, there are promising early indications that running back J.K. Dobbins’ foot injury might not be serious.
Las Vegas Raiders defender Tyree Wilson took Dobbins to the ground on a hip-drop tackle in the third quarter of last Thursday’s game, and the Denver Broncos running back went down in obvious pain.
He later returned to the field and finished the game, but Dobbins took to social media after a 10-7 win to criticize the NFL for not banning or penalizing hip-drop tackles. (The play is banned, and Wilson could receive a fine from the NFL next week.)
Jeff Mueller, a doctor of physical therapy who analyzes NFL injuries based on video, tweeted that Dobbins could have suffered a left midfoot sprain, plus a possible high ankle sprain.
Another doctor, Dr. Robert Chao of Pro Football Doc, suggested to KUSA-TV’s Mike Klis that it looked like a grade one midfoot sprain, based on one video angle.
“A midfoot sprain fits but there’s different degrees,’’ Dr. Chao said. “I think it’s a grade one midfoot sprain. But mild is still significant for a running back.”
Dr. Chao concluded that there’s hope Dobbins might be able to play against the Kansas City Chiefs in Week 11 (Nov. 16), which would be a best-case scenario. If Dobbins ends up missing that game, he’ll have extra time to recover before the next game as Denver has a bye in Week 12 before facing the Washington Commanders on the road in Week 13 (Nov. 30).
NFL Network’s Tom Pelissero tweeted on Friday that Dobbins is “awaiting a second opinion” on the injury.
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