Total Pro Sports
With the Denver Broncos heading to the AFC Championship Game against the New England Patriots, one key question on fans’ minds was whether star running back J.K. Dobbins would be ready to play. After missing most of the season with a foot injury, limited practice participation earlier in the week raised hope, but Denver has now delivered a clear injury update on Dobbins’ status.
J.K. Dobbins, one of the Broncos’ most dynamic offensive weapons, suffered a Lisfranc foot injury in Week 10 of the 2025 season, a setback that initially ended his year and placed him on injured reserve.
After being the team’s leading rusher with 772 yards and four touchdowns before the injury, Dobbins’ absence for much of the season was felt by Denver’s offense. The Broncos’ run game struggled at times, particularly without his explosive playmaking.
Despite the early-week optimism and limited practice participation, the Broncos officially ruled J.K. Dobbins out for the AFC Championship Game.
Veteran NFL insider Ian Rapoport first reported that Dobbins would not play, ending the possibility of his return for Sunday’s game.
JK Dobbins is out. So, not yet for #Broncos RB. https://t.co/qDYJjzxMvm
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) January 23, 2026
Although he practiced on a limited basis throughout the week, he wasn’t activated from injured reserve and will not suit up vs. the Patriots, a significant blow to Denver’s offensive depth.
Dobbins’ return to practice last week suggested progress, but coaches ultimately opted for caution.
JK Dobbins BACK at practice 💪 pic.twitter.com/F7nAAprDxU
— DNVR Broncos (@DNVR_Broncos) January 21, 2026
After a lengthy recovery process from a foot injury first thought to be season-ending, the Broncos likely weighed the risks of activating him against the potential rewards, especially in a high-stakes, high-intensity playoff environment.
While midweek practice participation gave Broncos fans hope that J.K. Dobbins might return from his lengthy foot injury for the AFC Championship Game, Denver ultimately ruled him out against the Patriots.
