Against all odds, J.K. Dobbins is poised for a comeback that could redefine his season. After a career riddled with setbacks, the Broncos' running back is on the verge of returning from injury, and his resilience is nothing short of inspiring.
The Broncos have just opened Dobbins’ 21-day window to return from injured reserve, a move confirmed on Monday afternoon. This means he'll be back in practice this week, and if all goes well, he could be playing in the AFC championship game against the New England Patriots.
Timing is everything, and Dobbins' potential return couldn't be more crucial. With starting quarterback Bo Nix sidelined due to a season-ending ankle fracture suffered in a recent victory over the Buffalo Bills, the Broncos' offense is facing significant challenges. Adding to the woes, key receivers Pat Bryant (concussion) and Troy Franklin (hamstring) also exited the game against Buffalo. Dobbins' presence would be a major boost, especially considering his impressive performance earlier in the season. Before his injury, he was tied for fifth in the NFL in rushing yards with 722 yards through 10 games in 2025.
Dobbins' latest injury, a Lisfranc injury in his foot, occurred in Week 10. The Broncos placed him on injured reserve the following week, and the surgery could have kept him out for the rest of the season. However, sources indicated that Dobbins aimed to return for the Super Bowl in February, a timeline that now seems possible.
Over the past few weeks, anticipation has grown around Dobbins' return. He's been vocal about his goal to play before the Super Bowl and has been seen doing rehab work.
“He’s been working his butt off to be able to have a chance to get back,” right tackle Mike McGlinchey stated. “Incredibly, incredibly important to what we’ve been doing.”
McGlinchey also expressed confidence in the rest of the Broncos' running-back corps. But the team's rushing efficiency has dropped since Dobbins' injury. Before placing Dobbins on injured reserve, the Broncos ranked ninth in the NFL in rushing offense; they finished the season at 16th. In a recent game, rookie RJ Harvey and Jaleel McLaughlin combined for only 41 rushing yards on 10 carries.
Denver signed Dobbins to a one-year deal worth $2.745 million in June to add experience to their backfield, and he delivered before the Lisfranc injury. This is just another chapter in a career marked by injuries: Dobbins tore his ACL in 2021 and his Achilles in 2023, never playing more than 15 games in a season.
And this is the part most people miss... He also missed his senior year of high school due to a broken ankle. When asked about the injury during his recruitment, Dobbins would often respond with a simple motto, “Tough times don’t last, tough people do.”
An end-of-season return might just be Dobbins’ toughest showcase yet.
What do you think? Will Dobbins' return make a significant impact? Share your thoughts in the comments!
