The Denver Broncos defeated the Las Vegas Raiders in Week 9, but the win didn’t come without a casualty. Running back J.K. Dobbins was banged up, and now fantasy managers don’t know what to do. Luckily for the aforementioned managers, an injury update has fallen out of the sky right in time to put in waiver claims. Here’s what to do after the Dobbins update.
Pick Up RJ Harvey
The Denver Gazette’s Chris Tomasson first reported the Dobbins news. He said, “I’m told are considering what to do with running back J.K. Dobbins and his foot injury. I was told placing him on injured reserve is being considered.”
If the Broncos are considering placing Dobbins on injured reserve, then it’s time to pick up Harvey. It’s safe to rule the former out for Week 11.
The Broncos total the ninth-most rushing yards per game (128.6). It’s next man up. Harvey, meanwhile, has six total touchdowns on 75 touches. Before getting injured, the Broncos implemented a one-back system. Dobbins totals 153 carries to Harvey’s 50. Harvey leads in receptions, though, 25-11.
Watch Out for Jaleel McLaughlin
That said, watch out for McLaughlin. He’ll likely be made active on game day now. He’ll spell Harvey, but it shouldn’t affect Harvey’s pass game work. Tyler Badie will stay in his role as the two-minute drill back.
Losing Dobbins right before a game against the Kansas City Chiefs in Week 11 is devastating. He is seventh in the league in rushing yards per game (77.2). But Harvey should be able to shoulder the load.
If Dobbins were to go on injured reserve, though, he’d miss the next five weeks. The Broncos play the Chiefs in Week 11, then have a bye in Week 12. After that, Denver plays the Washington Commanders in Week 13, the Raiders in Week 14, and the Green Bay Packers in Week 15.
The Chiefs allow the 12th-fewest rushing yards per game, while the Commanders allow the 10th-most rushing yards per game. In addition, the Raiders are middle of the pack at No. 20 in rushing yards allowed per game, and the Packers allow the sixth-fewest rushing yards per game. The biggest takeaway is that quarterback Bo Nix will have to take on more responsibility, however long Dobbins is out.