Denver Broncos fans recoiled in unison late on Thursday Night Football, cringing as running back J.K. Dobbins stayed down after a tackle against the Las Vegas Raiders.
Dobbins’ injury was incidental, but preventable. He limped off the field after being brought down by a hip-drop tackle, a move in which the league is actively trying to eliminate. While he returned to the game in Denver’s 10-7 win, Dobbins’ status is uncertain, and he’s justifiably frustrated.
J.K. Dobbins Frustrated With Hip-Drop Tackle After Win
Running backs are fickle, and the NFL has proven more than willing to move on from them in search of younger, cheaper alternatives. The Broncos drafted running back RJ Harvey in April, two months before signing Dobbins, and the rookie may replace the veteran sooner rather than later.
Dobbins sustaining an injury could accelerate that timeline. Tom Pelissero reported on Nov. 7 that he got injured on the tackle and, despite returning to action, Denver has a new concern to monitor.
“Broncos RB JK Dobbins suffered a foot injury on what appeared to be a hip-drop tackle Thursday night against the Raiders and is awaiting a second opinion, per source,” Pelissero posted.
“Dobbins still finished the game with two carries on the final drive to close out the win.”
Again, this hip drop tackle needs to be out of the game. It supposedly is, but refs aren’t calling it, and dudes are still getting hurt.
Dobbins and others can get seriously injured.
Protect the players man cause this ain’t it. #BroncosCountry
— The Goal Line Grind (@theGLgrind) November 7, 2025
The news threatens Dobbins’ status down the stretch. While it is not immediately clear how much time (if any) Dobbins will miss, his reaction on social media added to the Denver faithful’s angst.
“BAN OR ATLEAST CALL THE MUTHER F**KIN HIP DROP TACKLE!”
The NFL emphasized the hip-drop tackle to its officials but has opted to fine players after games rather than littering the field with flags. As such, the tackle has not been eliminated, and Dobbins might miss time.
Given Dobbins’ extensive injury history, his frustration is unsurprising. He entered the league with a fibula fracture and a high ankle sprain to his name and has been incredibly unlucky on Sundays. In 2021, he needed surgery to repair his meniscus and ACL. Two years later, an Achilles tear ended his 2023 campaign in Week 1.
MORE: J.K. Dobbins Injury Update: Latest on Broncos RB After Exiting TNF vs. Raiders
Injuries have threatened Dobbins’ career, and after staying healthy for most of last season, he had played a big role in Denver’s offense in 2025. The Broncos are 8-2, and Dobbins ranks 13th in PFSN’s Running Back Impact metric.
A significant injury could add more uncertainty to Dobbins’ NFL prospects and stress an offense that hasn’t held up its end of the bargain. Fortunately, a short week opens the door for him to recover ahead of Week 11 against the Kansas City Chiefs.
