The Denver Broncos’ playoff push just took a giant blow as running back J.K. Dobbins is headed to injured reserve.
The worst part? He might require immediate surgery, which would likely end Dobbins’ season unless the Broncos make it to the Super Bowl in February, sources told ESPN’s Adam Schefter.
Broncos RB JK Dobbins’ Season Is Officially Over After Devastating Injury
NFL Network Insiders Ian Rapoport and Tom Pelissero reported Saturday that Dobbins has a Lisfranc injury in his foot that required a season-ending surgery. The Broncos placed him on IR the same day.
The #Broncos are, in fact, placing JK Dobbins on Injured Reserve with a significant foot injury, per me and @TomPelissero. Dobbins has a ligament issue and will need season-ending surgery. pic.twitter.com/aAuZG7z6oE
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) November 15, 2025
He got the injury blow in the third quarter of last week’s 10-7 win over the Las Vegas Raiders on an illegal hip-drop tackle. He limped off the field but returned and finished the game with 18 carries for 77 yards.
The very next day, he posted an unfiltered rant on X, calling for hip-drop tackles to be penalized and sought a second medical opinion. His outright frustration confirmed the level of injury setback he is dealing with.
BAN OR ATLEAST CALL THE MUTHER FUCKIN HIP DROP TACKLE!
— Jk dobbins (@Jkdobbins22) November 7, 2025
Dobbins already had surgery on the foot and was expected to go on IR, which would sideline him for at least four games. But sources say the injury is likely season-ending. He could technically return in Week 16 against Jacksonville, but the more realistic outcome is that he’ll miss the rest of the regular season.
This wasn’t how it was supposed to end. Dobbins was talking openly late last month about wanting to remain with Denver past this season, saying, “I hope to end my career here and be here for the rest of the time in the NFL”.
The Broncos’ coaches considered Dobbins as the most reliable running back in pass protection and was usually the choice in those situations, especially in tight games. Losing that presence hurts more than just the rushing attack.
Rookie RJ Harvey now assumes the starting role. The second-round pick has 50 carries for 214 yards and two touchdowns this season. However, he contributed most in the passing game, where he has 25 receptions for 175 yards and four receiving scores.
“Definitely excited to showcase my running ability,” he sounded ready for the challenge on Friday. “Whatever coach wants me to do, I’m willing to do on the field and help my team the best way possible.”
The injury streak has followed Dobbins for years. He tore multiple knee ligaments at the end of his 2020 rookie season in Baltimore and missed all of 2021. In 2023, he tore his Achilles in Week 1 and was out for the rest of the year.
Last season with the Chargers, he missed four games late in the year due to a knee injury. History is set to repeat itself this season again.
For a player who said he wanted to finish his career in Denver, this is a heartbreaking way to end his time with the Broncos, potentially. He was having the best season of his career. But one illegal tackle changed everything.
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