A couple of days after losing quarterback Bo Nix to a season-ending injury, the Broncos might just have a silver lining, as another major offensive piece will return to practice.
Denver is opening starting running back J.K. Dobbins’ 21-day window to return off injured reserve, a source confirmed to The Denver Post on Monday afternoon. Dobbins’ return to practice could have major implications for head coach Sean Payton’s offense in the AFC championship game, as the running back was tied for fifth in the NFL in rushing yards (722) through 10 games in 2025 before suffering a Lisfranc injury in his foot in a November game against the Raiders.
The Broncos placed Dobbins on injured reserve the Saturday after Week 10’s win over Las Vegas, as Dobbins underwent surgery on his foot that could’ve well sidelined him for the remainder of the season. A source told The Denver Post at the time, though, that Dobbins intended to be back for the Super Bowl in February if the Broncos advanced that far, and that timeline now matches up.
Dobbins hasn’t played since early November, and a return against the Patriots in Sunday’s AFC championship game looks hasty. If Dobbins is available against New England, though, it could ease the pressure on backup quarterback Jarrett Stidham and provide a boost to Denver’s backfield, which combined for just 41 rushing yards on 10 carries against the Bills in Denver’s 33-30 overtime win Saturday night.
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