Without starting quarterback Bo Nix, the Denver Broncos will be severely shorthanded heading into Sunday’s AFC Championship Game.
But there could be some good news in the offensive backfield. According to ESPN’s Adam Schefter, the Broncos have opened the practice window to return JK Dobbins from injured reserve.
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Dobbins has been sidelined since November with a Lisfranc ligament injury in his left foot. He suffered an injury in Week 10 against the Las Vegas Raiders that required surgery and was initially thought to be season-ending.
Now he has a chance to play in Sunday’s AFC Champions League game. Regardless of whether he plays this week, he will also be eligible to play in the Super Bowl if the Broncos advance and he is medically cleared.
His return will provide a boost for the team’s offense following news that the Knicks’ season was ended with a broken ankle in Sunday’s playoff win over the Buffalo Bills. Backup Jarrett Stidham will start Sunday against the Patriots, giving him a chance to reach the Super Bowl. He hasn’t thrown an NFL pass since the 2023 season.
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That means the Broncos can rely more heavily on the running game. If healthy, Dobbins is Denver’s No. 1 option in the backfield.
Dobbins was off to a strong start in his first season with the Broncos before getting injured. In 10 games, Dobbins totaled 772 yards, 5 yards per carry, and four touchdowns.
His backup, rookie RJ Harvey, has taken over the starting guard role in his absence. Harvey rushed for 540 yards, 3.7 yards per carry, and seven touchdowns in all 17 regular season games.
The winner of Sunday’s game will advance to the Super Bowl to face the winner of the NFC Championship Game between the Seahawks and Rams.
