The Denver Broncos may have pulled off a dramatic win over the Buffalo Bills, but it came at a steep cost. Rookie quarterback Bo Nix, who engineered the game-winning drive, suffered an ankle injury in the final moments - a gut punch for a team that had been building momentum at just the right time.
With Nix sidelined, the Broncos will now turn to backup Jarrett Stidham to lead the offense into the AFC Championship Game against the New England Patriots. It’s a tough break, especially considering how well Nix had been managing the offense in recent weeks. Timing-wise, this one stings.
But here’s the silver lining: Denver might be getting a key offensive weapon back just when they need him most.
According to ESPN’s Adam Schefter, the Broncos have officially opened the practice window for running back J.K. Dobbins, who’s been sidelined since Week 10 with what was believed to be a season-ending foot injury.
That’s a huge development. Dobbins now has a shot - not a guarantee, but a real shot - to suit up for Sunday’s AFC title game.
And make no mistake, his return could be a game-changer.
With Stidham stepping in at quarterback, Denver’s path to victory becomes much more reliant on its ground game. That’s where Dobbins comes in.
Before his injury, he was having a career year - 772 rushing yards and four touchdowns on 153 carries in just 10 games. He was running with purpose, vision, and burst, and was on pace to set personal bests across the board.
While RJ Harvey and Jaleel McLaughlin have held their own, Dobbins brings a different level of explosiveness and experience. His ability to create yards after contact and keep defenses honest could be exactly what the Broncos need to take some of the pressure off Stidham.
If Dobbins is cleared to play, Denver suddenly has a three-headed backfield that can grind out tough yards, control the clock, and open up play-action opportunities. Against a disciplined Patriots defense, that kind of balance could be crucial.
For a team that just absorbed a major blow with the loss of its starting quarterback, the potential return of Dobbins is more than just good news - it’s a lifeline. The Broncos aren’t out of the woods, but they’ve got a little more firepower heading into the biggest game of the season.