When will J.K. Dobbins return? What to know about potential playoff comeback for Broncos RB

The Denver Broncos’ return to the AFC Championship Game has come with adversity, as the team is dealing with several key injuries.

Before quarterback Bo Nix suffered a season-ending injury, the Broncos faced another major setback when running back J.K. Dobbins went down. The veteran was in the midst of a potentially career-best season when a foot injury required surgery.

However, Denver’s deep playoff run could allow Dobbins to return before the season ends. Here’s the latest on his status.

When will J.K. Dobbins return? 

Dobbins returned to practice on Thursday, marking his first session since suffering a foot injury in November. He was limited in practice on both Thursday and Friday, leaving a chance that he could play in the AFC Championship Game against the New England Patriots.

Head coach Sean Payton has remained tight-lipped about Dobbins’ status throughout the playoffs, though he did acknowledge in late November that the running back could return this season.

"That has a chance to happen"

Sean Payton HINTS at a JK Dobbins return 👀 pic.twitter.com/ZQpnnjLHdG

— DNVR Broncos (@DNVR_Broncos) November 27, 2025

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J.K. Dobbins injury

Dobbins suffered a foot injury in November against the Las Vegas Raiders, which was believed to be season-ending at the time. The injury likely occurred on a tackle as the Raiders' defender landed on Dobbins' foot.

Just so we're clear this isn't a hip drop tackle. Dobbins cleat got stuck in the grass had it not he would've been fine
Nothing the defender did wrong or could've done better. Pic.twitter.com/CdE6pybXgX

— Miguel Chapeton (@ProFootballPSI) November 8, 2025

CBS' Tracy Wolfson reported that Dobbins had surgery on the Lisfranc injury in the middle of Novemeber, which is why Dobbins was out for so long.

I was told JK Dobbins had surgery already on a Lisfranc injury suffered against the Raiders. He is expected to be out for the season. Huge loss for the #Broncos on and off the field. Dobbins was putting together a tremendous season in a contract year.

— Tracy Wolfson (@tracywolfson) November 15, 2025

However, since the Broncos have lasted this far into the playoffs, Dobbins has had enough time to recover and return to practice.

J.K. Dobbins stats