The Denver Broncos officially ruled out J.K. Dobbins for Sunday’s AFC Championship Game against the New England Patriots.
This official designation first came from NFL Insider Ian Rapoport.
This ended a week of growing optimism that the veteran running back could make his postseason return on Sunday.
Dobbins had been trending in the right direction throughout the week, practicing on a limited basis as he continued his recovery from a foot injury that sidelined him back in Week 10.
However, despite that progress, Denver ultimately chose not to activate him off injured reserve, confirming Friday that he will not be available for the conference title game.
J.K. Dobbins Injury Update
Early in the week, there was real belief inside the Broncos’ facility that Dobbins would be able to suit up.
His limited participation in three straight practices fueled speculation that he could be cleared in time.
With Bo Nix already ruled out, many thought that Dobbins might attempt to push through the injury.
DNVR reporter Zac Stevens even tweeted moments earlier that he was confident Dobbins would be available.
He said at 3:11 MT:
“J.K. Dobbins, Pat Bryant and Troy Franklin all practiced today, meaning they all practiced for the entire week. Very encouraging sign for them able to go for the AFC Championship Game.”
That optimism, however, quickly faded just five minutes later.
At 3:16 MT, Stevens posted, “J.K. Dobbins is OUT for Sunday’s game vs the Patriots.”
Injury Picture Comes Into Focus
He kept the focus on the group that will be available Sunday.
Without Dobbins, the Broncos are expected to again rely on a three-man backfield led by R.J. Harvey and Jaleel McLaughlin, with Tyler Badie filling in situationally.
Denver’s final injury report also brought clarity elsewhere.
Wide receiver Pat Bryant was a full participant for the second straight day and was not assigned a game status.
This indicates that he should be available after exiting last week’s game with a concussion.
Center Luke Wattenberg, who was designated to return from injured reserve, was a full participant all week but remains questionable.
He would need to be activated by tomorrow to play.
Guard Alex Forsyth and wide receiver Troy Franklin are also listed as questionable after being limited throughout the week.
OUT J.K. Dobbins
QUESTIONABLE Troy Franklin Luke Wattenberg Alex Forsyth
In addition to Dobbins, the Broncos ruled out tight end Lucas Krull and inside linebacker Drew Sanders, both of whom remain on injured reserve despite practicing fully all three days.
Broncos Receive Official Update on J.K. Dobbins’ Status Ahead of AFC Championship