The Broncos got a reassuring update on J.K. Dobbins after the running back left Sunday’s win over the Jacksonville Jaguars with a hamstring injury.
Dobbins went out in the third quarter of Denver’s 20-13 comeback victory and did not return. Even so, the early signs are encouraging, with his status still set to be shaped by how he gets through the week before Sunday Night Football against the Los Angeles Rams.
NFL Network’s Tom Pelissero reported Monday that a source said Dobbins is “good” after the hamstring issue. That lines up with the tone coming out of Denver after the game, and head coach Sean Payton also said Monday the injury was not being treated as a major concern at the moment.
Before leaving, Dobbins had carried the ball 10 times for 36 yards. He was already handling most of the work in the backfield, with R.J. Harvey inactive because of his own hamstring injury.
That made the next-man-up situation clearer when Dobbins exited. Rookie Jonah Coleman stepped in and produced 10 carries for 39 yards and a touchdown, while also adding three catches for 19 yards.
Coleman could be asked to do more again if Dobbins isn’t cleared. Payton said the Broncos have three backs who can take on a heavy load, giving the team some flexibility as it sorts through the week.
For now, the injury looks less serious than it first might have seemed. The real checkpoint comes in practice, where Dobbins’ work from Wednesday through Friday should offer the clearest sign of whether he’ll be available against the Rams.
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