The Denver Broncos are standing on the precipice of a Super Bowl appearance, but they are doing so while facing an uphill battle following a thrilling divisional-round victory. The path to the title, however, just received a massive injection of hope: the potential return of running back J.K. Dobbins from a Lisfranc injury. While the team awaits medical clearance for the AFC Championship Game, his return to practice indicates that Dobbins could provide the decisive, high-efficiency running game necessary to overcome the challenges ahead.
Despite missing the final seven games of the season, Dobbins still finished as Denver’s leading rusher, averaging 5.0 yards per carry. His potential return is not just about bringing back a productive player, it is about activating a “huge energy piece” to an offense that has struggled to establish a consistent ground game without him.
Why J.K. Dobbins Potential Return is Huge for the Broncos
A Crucial Shift in Offensive Identity
Following the devastating news that second-year quarterback Bo Nix will be out for the AFC Championship Game with a fractured ankle, the Broncos must shift their offensive strategy to rely on a more traditional, ground-based attack. Backup quarterback Jarrett Stidham, while capable, will be navigating his first start since the 2023 season, placing a premium on a run game that can control the clock and move the chains.
Dobbins was averaging 77.2 rushing yards per contest through the first 10 games of the season, a pace that would have made him the team’s first 1,000-yard rusher since 2019. His ability to navigate high-pressure situations, such as his strong 111-yard performance in Week 8, provides the veteran stability needed in the playoffs.
Relieving the Pressure on Stidham
Without Dobbins, the Broncos’ run game has sputtered, dropping nearly 32 yards per game and averaging just 96.8 yards rushing in the latter part of the season. Dobbins’ return provides the “heavy lifting” in the backfield that allows the offense to avoid becoming one-dimensional.
For Stidham to succeed, he needs a dominant run game to keep the opposition’s defensive line honest. Dobbins, known for his explosive 5.0+ yards-per-carry capability, forces defenses to commit extra defenders to the box, opening up passing lanes for a more manageable game plan.
The Perfect Fit for Sean Payton’s System
Head coach Sean Payton often looks for versatile backs, and Dobbins fits this mold by acting not only as a productive runner but also as an effective pass-blocker. In fact, Dobbins was arguably the team’s best pass-blocking back before his injury, making him crucial for third-down situations against elite pass-rushing teams.
His north-and-south running style allows him to hit gaps decisively, which is perfect for maximizing yards on a team that has struggled to gain extra yardage after contact. According to PFF, while the Broncos have been creating lanes, they have struggled with yards after contact, a metric Dobbins excelled at before his injury.
The Psychological and Physical Boost
Right tackle Mike McGlinchey described Dobbins as a “huge energy piece for our team,” highlighting the intangible lift his return to the huddle provides. After sustaining a Lisfranc injury, a notoriously difficult injury for running backs, Dobbins’ quick return to practice is seen as an inspiring “iron man” moment for the squad, reinforcing the team’s championship mentality.
Final Thoughts: A Title-Defining Return?
The Broncos are facing a monumental challenge in the AFC Championship Game against the New England Patriots, but the potential return of Dobbins changes the calculation entirely. By providing a reliable, explosive running threat, easing the burden on Stidham, and offering high-level pass protection, Dobbins may be the missing piece the Broncos need to secure their trip to the Super Bowl. If he is cleared to play, the Broncos’ offense will have the necessary tools to turn their 2025 season into a championship story.
Main Image: Isaiah J. Downing-Imagn Images
