The Denver Broncos have been hammered by yet another injury setback, with star running back J.K. Dobbins headed to injured reserve following a Lisfranc foot injury sustained in Sunday’s 24-17 loss to the Kansas City Chiefs. This J.K. Dobbins Lisfranc injury diagnosis caps a brutal Week 11 for the Broncos’ backfield, forcing a reshuffle as they cling to wildcard hopes in a stacked AFC West.
Acquired in a blockbuster trade from the Los Angeles Chargers during the 2025 offseason, Dobbins had emerged as the engine of Denver’s resurgent rushing attack, amassing 728 yards and 7 touchdowns through 10 games. Now, with the J.K. Dobbins injury update confirming a 6-8 week absence, the Broncos (5-6) face an uphill battle to salvage their season without their dynamic lead back.
The Crushing Play: Dobbins’ Lisfranc Injury in Chiefs Clash
The injury unfolded late in the third quarter during a pivotal second-and-8 from midfield. Dobbins, slicing through a seam on a zone-read handoff from QB Bo Nix, planted his left foot awkwardly to evade Chiefs LB Nick Bolton’s tackle. The 26-year-old former Ravens first-rounder crumpled immediately, clutching his midfoot as trainers rushed the field.
Dobbins was carted off after a brief evaluation, ruling him out for the fourth quarter. Backup Tyler Badie stepped up with 42 yards on 11 carries, but the Broncos’ offense sputtered, managing just 78 rushing yards total – their lowest since Week 3. Head coach Sean Payton called it a “gut-wrenching moment,” adding, “J.K.’s our spark; this one’s going to test our depth like never before.”
Monday’s MRI revealed a Lisfranc sprain, targeting the ligaments in the tarsometatarsal joint of Dobbins’ left foot. Per reports from NFL insider Tom Pelissero, the injury isn’t surgical but severe enough for IR placement, ensuring at least four weeks sidelined while he undergoes immobilization and rehab.
Dobbins is scheduled for a specialist consult Tuesday, with early optimism for a mid-January return – potentially in time for the playoffs if Denver mounts a late surge.
Lisfranc Injury Breakdown: What J.K. Dobbins Faces in Recovery
A Lisfranc injury, eponymously named for Napoleonic surgeon Jacques Lisfranc, strikes the midfoot’s stabilizing ligaments, often from axial loading or rotation – hallmarks of an NFL ball-carrier’s life. For J.K. Dobbins Lisfranc injury details:
- Injury Spectrum: Grade 2 sprains like Dobbins’ typically heal in 6-8 weeks with conservative treatment; full tears demand ORIF surgery and 3+ months.
- Rehab Protocol: Air cast or boot for 4-6 weeks, progressing to aquatic therapy, balance drills, and agility work. High recurrence risk (up to 20%) looms for speed-dependent RBs.
- NFL Precedents: Chargers teammate Austin Ekeler missed six games with a similar issue in 2023; Ravens’ Mark Ingram returned in seven weeks post-2019 Lisfranc scare.
Dobbins’ history adds layers – a devastating 2021 ACL tear and 2023 Achilles rupture have already cost him 32 games since 2020. Yet, his 2025 explosion (4.8 YPC, explosive run rate leader per Next Gen Stats) proved his explosiveness intact. “He’s battled back before; this won’t define him,” Payton said.
Broncos Backfield in Turmoil: How Dobbins’ Absence Upends Denver’s Offense
Dobbins’ Lisfranc injury exacerbates a Broncos run game that ranked 12th in yards per carry (4.6) entering Week 11. Without him, Nix’s play-action foundation crumbles, exposing a line that’s surrendered 22 sacks.
- Depth Chart Overhaul: Jaleel McLaughlin (412 yards, 5.1 YPC) becomes RB1, with Badie and practice-squad call-up De’Von Achane splitting duties. Audacious? Payton eyes a claim on free-agent vets like Kareem Hunt.
- Scheme Shifts: More shotgun spreads and screens to mask the loss; Nix’s completion rate dips 5% without Dobbins’ YAC threat.
- AFC West Implications: At 5-6, Denver trails KC by two games. Upcoming slate – vs. Raiders (Week 12), at Chargers (Week 13) – demands ground control, but injuries to OT Garett Bolles (concussion protocol) compound woes.
X reactions trended Monday: “Broncos dealt blow with Dobbins IR? Our season’s on life support. #GoBroncos or bust,” one fan lamented. Mile High Report analysts peg it as a “death knell” unless the committee clicks.
This is Dobbins’ third major lower-body hit in five years, but his trade to Denver – a three-year, $21M pact – was hailed as GM George Paton’s masterstroke. The 2020 No. 28 pick boasts 2,668 career yards; his grit could yet fuel a redemption arc.
Hope on the Horizon: Can Dobbins’ IR Stint Spark Broncos’ Wildcard Miracle?
Payton sees upside: “Adversity breeds identity.” The Week 12 mini-bye aids healing, and Dobbins’ youth bodes well for a playoff cameo. With Nix’s poise (68% completion, 18 TDs) and a defense allowing 18 PPG, Denver’s not buried.
As evaluations wrap, Broncos brass plots aggressively. Will this J.K. Dobbins injury news galvanize a rally, or hasten a rebuild? Orange Crush faithful brace for turbulence.
