Is J.K. Dobbins playing today for Broncos vs. Patriots?

[ASFN Admin]

After winning last week's AFC Divisional Round matchup with the Buffalo Bills, the Denver Broncos had to deal with the shocking update that starting quarterback Bo Nix would miss the rest of the season with a broken ankle. While the team will try to rally around backup Jarrett Stidham, it's not something you necessarily recover from well in an emotional respect.

Enter the status of one member of Denver's backfield for this Sunday's AFC title game at home against the New England Patriots.

After missing the last few months with a Lisfranc injury, it doesn't sound like starting running back J.K. Dobbins will get meaningful playing time with a spot in Super Bowl 60 on the line. Dobbins began practicing for the Broncos in a greater capacity this week, but Denver ultimately ruled the runner out for the AFC title game:

#Broncos RB J.K. Dobbins was officially back practicing today. Watched him do individual drills. The burst is there. Lotta energy.

Also, Denver officially designated Luke Wattenberg to return off IR. Here he is below at practice, along with Alex Forsyth (1/2) pic.twitter.com/5YxXTQwOEL

— Luca Evans (@bylucaevans) January 21, 2026

J.K. Dobbins OUT, per the injury report (emailed by Patriots PR): pic.twitter.com/H8mZ4PyA39

— Andrew Mason (@MaseDenver) January 23, 2026

Dobbins had nearly 800 rushing yards while averaging five yards per carry at the time of his injury in early November. That is elite production that, at this point, the Broncos would potentially only see again this season if they qualify for Super Bowl 60.

This article originally appeared on For The Win: JK Dobbins injury update: Is Broncos RB playing on Sunday?

Continue reading...