The Denver Broncos just put RB J.K. Dobbins on IR. Given how he had been playing, this move almost certainly means that his season is over until, perhaps, the Eagles pull off the improbable and make it to the Super Bowl. Dobbins was injured in the third quarter of Sunday’s game against the Las Vegas Raiders. He had emergency surgery right away and then was placed on injured reserve (IR).
The Broncos added that Dobbins has missed all practice time since the injury. This loss further complicates matters for the squad. Now they have to look forward to the next game without three of their starting players suspended. Losing Dobbins is most notable not just for his great season so far. He’s gained 772 yards, at the decent-yet-non-elite 5.05 yards per carry average, making him one of the nine RBs with enough carries to qualify who rank in the top 90 percentile for efficiency.
With a shifty and explosive running style, Dobbins is a home run hitter. He’s broken off 21 runs of 10+ yards this season, good for fifth in the league. His OL coaches felt like he was always the best logical decision when it came to pass protection scenarios. This turned him into one of the most clutch players in close contests. Head coach Sean Payton said that putting Dobbins on injured reserve was one of the possible options after he was injured.
“This is probably the best team I’ve been on, and we owe it to the fan base, we owe it to ourselves to stop playing how we’re playing,” – J.K. Dobbins
With Dobbins out, much more weight is placed on the shoulders of his teammates. Harvey is looking forward to the opportunity to seize the moment and provide a spark with Dobbins sidelined. What Harvey is really looking forward to, though, is showing off his running skills. He’s receptive to any role that Coach Payton may have for him.
“Definitely excited to showcase my running ability … [but] whatever Coach [Payton] wants me to do, I’m willing to do,” – RJ Harvey
Coach Sean Payton lauded Dobbins for his effort and said he’s one of the most dedicated players he’s ever seen. He’s never late to the facility and follows a rigid routine, even while shut down.
“He’ll walk through the script, and then work out and then be eating breakfast when people are just arriving,” – Coach Sean Payton
To date, Dobbins has been one of the most productive weapons on the roster. His leadership, skill and presence will be sorely tested by the Broncos as they head down the stretch without him. The Ravens’ team will have to adjust on the fly to make up for the loss of Dobbins. Perhaps most importantly, they need to address their deep-rooted challenges.
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