The Denver Broncos have been one of the NFL’s best teams this season, thanks largely to their dominant defense and the one-two punch of running backs J.K. Dobbins and R.J. Harvey. Their efforts have pushed Denver to an 8-2 record, good for first place in the highly competitive AFC West, while quarterback Bo Nix works to regain his early-season rookie form.
J.K. Dobbins’ Injury Update
Dobbins stayed healthy through the first half of the year before getting nicked on a hip-drop tackle during Denver’s 10-7 win over the Las Vegas Raiders in Week 10. He returned to finish the game with 77 yards on 18 carries, but his short-term availability remained uncertain. On Saturday, the Broncos provided clarity on Dobbins’ health.
ESPN’s Adam Schefter shared details on Dobbins’ health, revealing that he’ll be placed on injured reserve due to a foot injury that requires surgery, likely ending his season. Notably, Tom Pelissero reported that the door is open for Dobbins to make a potential return this season, if the Broncos reach the Super Bowl.
Before his injury, Dobbins ranked fifth in the NFL in rushing yards with 772 and had five touchdowns. According to PFSN’s RB Impact metric, he posted an 81.4 impact score, ranking 14th among running backs.
With the passing game struggling at times, head coach Sean Payton leaned heavily on his veteran back while second-round pick Harvey found his footing.
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Dobbins is no stranger to the injured reserve. Drafted 55th overall by the Baltimore Ravens in 2020, he tore his ACL in the preseason entering his second year. He bounced back, but a 2023 Achilles tear derailed his time in Baltimore. After recovering, he joined the Los Angeles Chargers in 2024 and was regaining form before an MCL sprain sidelined him for four games.
Denver Broncos’ Insights for Week 11
Team: Denver heads to a bye on Week 11 before heading to the road for games in Washington and Las Vegas.
QB: Bo Nix’s 70.8 (C-) QBi score in Week 10 against the Raiders was his 25th out of 28 games, including the postseason.
Offense: The Broncos have committed four turnovers in the last two games after committing three in the previous five games.
Defense: Denver enters the game with the best DEFi (94.5, A) in the NFL. The Broncos have six games in which they have been in the top three in a week.
Fantasy: The last time Courtland Sutton out-targeted Troy Franklin was in Week 5. The sophomore has outproduced the veteran 13.2 PPG to 9.1 PPG over that span.