But there may be some good injury news on the way in the offensive backfield. The Broncos have opened the practice window for starting running back JK Dobbins to return from injured reserve, ESPN’s Adam Schefter reports.
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Dobbins has been sidelined with a Lisfranc ligament injury in his left foot since November. He suffered the injury in Week 10 against the Las Vegas Raiders and required surgery that was initially believed to be season-ending.
Now there’s a chance he could play in the AFC championship game on Sunday. And whether or not he plays this week, he would also be eligible to play in the Super Bowl if the Broncos advance and he is medically cleared.
His return would give a boost to an offense that needs it with the news that Nix’s season is over due to a broken ankle suffered late in Sunday’s playoff victory over the Buffalo Bills. Backup Jarrett Stidham will start against the Patriots on Sunday with a trip to the Super Bowl on the line. He hasn’t thrown an NFL pass since the 2023 season.
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That means the Broncos could rely more on the running game. If healthy, Dobbins is Denver’s No. 1 option out of the backfield.
Before his injury, Dobbins was off to a good start in his first season with the Broncos. In 10 games, Dobbins had 772 yards and 4 touchdowns on 5 yards per carry.
His backup, rookie RJ Harvey, has assumed the lead role in his absence. Harvey tallied 540 rushing yards and 7 touchdowns on 3.7 yards per carry while playing in all 17 regular season games.
The winner of Sunday’s game will advance to face the winner of the NFC championship between the Seahawks and Rams in the Super Bowl.