After returning to practice for the first time this week since having surgery to repair a lisfranc injury, the Denver Broncos have ruled out running back J.K. Dobbins for Sunday’s game against the New England Patriots.
Denver Broncos rule out J.K. Dobbins vs. New England Patriots
I’m sure if it were truly up to J.K. Dobbins on whether he could play in Sunday’s game against the New England Patriots, he would, but the smart decision is for him to miss the AFC Championship game.
Dobbins returned to practice this week and was a limited participant, getting his first action on the field, planting, cutting, and experiencing some contact, just two and a half months after suffering a lisfranc injury that required surgery, ending his regular season.
Most timelines for a lisfranc injury range between four to six months, and where Dobbins is at would put him massively ahead of his expected timeline. That timeline was also a long shot, having been reported as a possibility of returning if the Broncos make the Super Bowl.
A win on Sunday would send the Broncos back to Santa Clara for Super Bowl 60, but even that timeline would be a task, and it would be unrealistic to expect Dobbins to be his full self prior to the injury.
He, tight end Lucas Krull, linebacker Drew Sanders, and quarterback Bo Nix were all ruled out officially.
Center Luke Wattenberg was a full participant all week, and the general expectation is that he’ll return and start in Sunday’s game against the Patriots, but Denver will have to make a corresponding roster move to make way for his return from injured reserve. That move is expected to be made with Nix likely being placed on IR on Saturday.
Safety JL Skinner (quad), Wattenberg, center Alex Forsyth (ankle), and wide receiver Troy Franklin (hamstring) are all officially listed as questionable for Sunday’s game.
Wide receiver Pat Bryant (concussion) and offensive tackle Frank Crum (ankle) have no game status and will play.
Broncos final injury report vs. Patriots
- Wide receiver Pat Bryant – concussion – will play.
- Offensive tackle Frank Crum – ankle – will play.
- Tight end Lucas Krull – foot – OUT.
- Linebacker Drew Sanders – ankle – OUT.
- Center Luke Wattenberg – shoulder – questionable.
- Running back J.K. Dobbins – foot – OUT.
- Center Alex Forsyth – ankle – questionable.
- Wide receiver Troy Franklin – questionable.
- Safety JL Skinner – quad – questionable.
- Quarterback Bo Nix – ankle – OUT.