The Denver Broncos have been hit with some very harsh news. On Saturday, NFL Media confirmed that a crucial teammate of Bo Nix will miss the rest of the 2025 NFL season due to an injury.
Ian Rapoport and Tom Pelissero reported that running back J.K. Dobbins will undergo season-ending foot surgery. Dobbins sustained the injury on a hip-drop tackle during the Broncos win against the Raiders in Week 10.
Dobbins was having an outstanding season with the Broncos so far. He is set to become a free agent next year, but Denver still reportedly wants him to stay despite this injury.
The offense needed Dobbins, but not all hope is lost
J.K. Dobbins was fifth in the league in rushing yards with 772. He found a great place to showcase his skills, but now his season is over.
Dobbins has struggled with injuries his entire career. Now, the Broncos front office has a tough decision to make, as the running back will become a free agent next year and Denver reportedly wanted to offer him a new contract by the end of the season.
While the Broncos figure that issue out, head coach Sean Payton has another problem to solve. Now without his RB1, Payton will need to rely on a rookie as his replacement.
see also
Broncos reveal key strategy to stop Patrick Mahomes
RJ Harvey is now listed as RB1 in the Broncos’ depth chart. He was a second-round pick in the 2025 NFL Draft, and Denver has a lot of faith in him to step up as Dobbins’ replacement.
The former UCF standout has not had a great season, but with Dobbins out he could prove his worth. After 10 games, Harvey has had 50 carries for 214 yards and two touchdowns. However, he is not just a running back.
Harvey has been a key player for Bo Nix through the air. The rookie has had 25 receptions for 175 yards and four touchdowns, proving that he can be a dual-threat whose numbers can only improve now as the starter.
Broncos running back depth chart with J.K. Dobbins out
As mentioned, RJ Harvey will step up as the starting running back with J.K. Dobbins out. Even though he is a solid replacement, the depth at the position now raises questions.
Behind Harvey is Tyler Badie, who has only had 2 carries for 9 yards this year. Jaleel McLaughlin is listed as RB3, with only one attempt this season and no yards gained.
