Following the gut-wrenching Bo Nix injury news, the Denver Broncos may have to heavily rely on their running game in order to clinch their first Super Bowl appearance in a decade. The backfield as currently constructed has struggled of late, but there is a possibility it gets a huge boost for Sunday’s AFC Championship matchup versus the New England Patriots. Denver is opening the practice window for JK Dobbins, per ESPN’s Adam Schefter.
The 27-year-old RB suffered what was believed to be a season-ending foot injury in November, but against all odds, he actually has a chance to play against the Pats. Broncos rookie RJ Harvey struggled versus the Buffalo Bills in Saturday’s AFC Divisional Round thriller, posting six carries for 21 yards. Jaleel McLaughlin was more efficient — four rushes for 21 yards — but head coach Sean Payton will need more from the group against a dangerous New England defense.
An active Dobbins could provide Denver with the additional production it requires to win the conference. He was an undeniable difference-maker when healthy during the regular season, rushing 153 times for 772 yards (5.0) and four touchdowns in 10 games. The 2020 second-round draft pick continues to overcome one injury setback after another and produce on the field. But can he do so on Sunday afternoon?
The Broncos will trust their vaunted defense to punish MVP candidate Drake Maye and hope that they can ride their home-field advantage to Santa Clara, California. Backup quarterback Jarrett Stidham may not have to be a hero for Denver to defeat the Patriots, but he will need to retain possession for a sufficient amount of time. JK Dobbins could certainly help in that regard.
Now, Broncos Country eagerly awaits the next injury update, as the clock ticks down to Championship Sunday.
The post Broncos’ JK Dobbins ‘has a chance’ to return from injury for AFC Championship Game appeared first on ClutchPoints.
