The Denver Broncos offense is going to have to find a way to succeed without their star running back.
Veteran running back J.K. Dobbins is being placed on injury reserve and will require season-ending foot surgery to repair a ligament issue, per NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport and Tom Pelissero. There is a chance he could return for the Super Bowl if the Broncos make it that far.
This is a devastating blow to Dobbins and the Broncos, who are 8-2 and lead the American Football Conference West division. Dobbins was off to an incredible start through 10 games, logging 772 rushing yards (fifth in the National Football League). He was well on his way to shattering his career-high (905 rushing yards) and was on pace to rush for 1,312 yards. Dobbins wasn’t active in the passing game, only catching 11 passes for 37 yards.
Dobbins was the most consistent offensive player for the Broncos and his five yards per carry were a safety blanket for when the passing game got stagnant. Denver will have to move forward without their game-changing back.
A few weeks ago, Dobbins spoke out against claims that he is injury-prone, explaining that he’s only had two bad injuries that were out of his control. This injury was also out of his control and there should have been a penalty on the play that resulted in his injury.
Dobbins was injured on a hip-drop tackle against the Las Vegas Raiders on Thursday Night Football in Week 10. Dobbins left the game in the third quarter before returning at the end of the game to close out Denver’s 10-7 victory.
Head coach Sean Payton will now look to rookie RJ Harvey and veterans Tyler Badie and Jaleel McLaughlin to handle the groundwork in Dobbins’ absence.
It will be interesting to see how the rest of the season will go for Denver because Harvey was the change-of-pace receiving back behind Dobbins. Badie is strong in the receiving game as well, and McLaughlin has only rushed one time this season.
On 50 carries, Harvey has ran for 214 yards and two touchdowns. He has 25 receptions for 175 yards and four scores as well. Harvey’s six touchdowns are tied for second-most among all rookies. He will be the lead back, but the Broncos will probably run with more of a committee going forward.
With the trade deadline behind us, the Broncos will have to run with what they have (no pun intended) or they can sign a free agent.