The Denver Broncos knew they would be without J.K. Dobbins on Sunday against the Kansas City Chiefs. Broncos Country knew that him being placed on injured reserve was a possibility.
Any player moved to IR is required to miss at least four games, but according to ESPN's Adam Schefter, Dobbins' foot injury will require surgery and is likely to end his season. That is devastating news for a Broncos offense that has struggled mightily at times this season.
Dobbins was fifth in the league in rushing with 772 yards so far this season and he had been a great free-agent signing for the team. But injuries have plagued the former second-round pick throughout his career and that will continue.
The Broncos will be forced to turn to rookie RJ Harvey to shoulder the load in Dobbins' absence. Behind him, the team has Tyler Badie and Jaleel McLaughlin. Badie is a good receiving back and special teams player. McLaughlin has been active for only one game so far this season.
The Broncos are going to need to consider adding another running back for goal-line and short-yardage situations for the remainder of the season, but pickings are going to be slim. The team also has Deuce Vaughn on the practice squad, but at 5-foot-6, he is another smallish back and the team is going to need a player they can use to pound the defense with.
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The Broncos host the Chiefs on Sunday and the success of the running game, or lack thereof, could go a long way in determining the game's result.
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