Why J.K. Dobbins isn't playing today vs. Chiefs with injury news

Mack Baltes

Why J.K. Dobbins isn't playing today vs. Chiefs with injury news image

Isaiah J. Downing-Imagn Images

The Denver Broncos enter Sunday’s matchup against the Kansas City Chiefs holding a narrow lead in the AFC West, sitting one game ahead of the Los Angeles Chargers. The Chiefs, at 5-4 and two games back in the loss column, are in urgent need of a victory to remain in the division title race.

Denver, however, will be without a major offensive weapon. Running back J.K. Dobbins, the Broncos’ leading rusher, will not suit up after suffering a foot injury in last Thursday’s win over the Las Vegas Raiders. The news grew more concerning when NFL insider Adam Schefter reported that Dobbins is expected to miss the remainder of the season. He is expected to undergo foot surgery, and the anticipated recovery timeline will likely prevent him from returning in 2025.

The loss is a significant blow for the Broncos. Dobbins ranks fifth in the NFL in rushing yards with 772, serving as the driving force behind Denver’s ground game.

In his absence, the Broncos will turn to rookie running back R.J. Harvey to handle the bulk of the carries. Harvey has been productive in limited work, totaling 214 rushing yards and two touchdowns on 50 attempts. A second-round pick out of UCF, selected 60th overall, Harvey has shown promise and will now have a much larger opportunity. Tyler Badie and Jaleel McLaughlin round out the depth chart behind him.

Denver is hopeful Harvey can provide stability in Week 11 and help the team maintain its division lead heading into a Week 12 bye.

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Contributing Writer