The Denver Broncos found themselves at a crossroads after their 2025 season ended in heartbreak against the New England Patriots in the AFC Championship Game. The fans were vocal, demanding more offensive firepower to break through the league's toughest defenses.
Yet, the real missing piece might have been a more robust rushing attack, particularly after J.K. Dobbins' unfortunate injury in Week 10 against the Raiders.
When free agency rolled around, the Broncos made a calculated decision. Instead of chasing high-priced talent like Travis Etienne, Tyler Allgeuier, or Rico Dowdle, they opted to stick with their own - re-signing Dobbins.
At the time of his injury, Dobbins was fifth in the NFL for rushing yards, a testament to his impact on the field. However, his injury history looms large, and he's been vocal about the illegal hip drop tackle by the Raiders that led to his foot injury, challenging the "injury-prone" label that's been tagged to him.
So, can the Broncos bank on Dobbins? There's no denying his talent, but his track record of missing games is concerning.
With no first-round pick, courtesy of the Jaylen Waddle trade, and other pressing needs at inside linebacker, tight end, and defensive line, a high-profile addition to the backfield seems unlikely. The team might look to the later rounds of the draft for a running back, but such a player would likely start on the practice squad.
This means the Broncos are putting their chips on Dobbins once more. His ability to stay healthy could be the key to unlocking a potent rushing attack. Yet, if he were to go down again, it could spell disaster for another postseason run.
Behind Dobbins, RJ Harvey shows promise but isn't built to carry the entire load. Meanwhile, Tyler Badie and Jaleel McLaughlin, skilled as they are, aren't likely to handle heavy duties.
The Broncos need a reliable workhorse, and the hope is that Dobbins can finally fill those shoes. Only time will tell if history will be rewritten in his favor.