Broncos Draw Attention Over J.K. Dobbins Before Chiefs Game
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J.K. Dobbins #27 of the Denver Broncos reacts after scoring a touchdown against the Los Angeles Chargers.
The Denver Broncos listed running back J.K. Dobbins as a non-participant in the first practice session of Week 11 as he navigates a foot injury. Broncos head coach Sean Payton’s comments about Dobbins drew even more attention ahead of a pivotal Week 11.
Dobbins was injured in Week 10 on “Thursday Night Football” on a tackle by Las Vegas Raiders defensive end Tyree Wilson. Dobbins downplayed it, but Denver is considering injured reserve.
For now, Dobbins and the Broncos remain in a noteworthy state of limbo.
Broncos’ Sean Payton Raises Eyebrows With J.K. Dobbins Comments
GettyJ.K. Dobbins #27 of the Denver Broncos greets teammates before facing the Las Vegas Raiders.
Payton met with the media to begin Week 11, and he noted that the Broncos have not yet decided whether or not to place Dobbins on injured reserve. They already drew attention for not placing him on IR to begin the week amid a flurry of roster decisions.
“Nothing’s been decided yet,” Payton told reporters on November 12. “At some point, there’ll be more clarity with him and some of these other players.”
Dobbin, 26, has rushed for 772 yards and 4 touchdowns on 153 carries this season.
In addition to Dobbins, the Broncos are without star cornerback and reigning Defensive Player of the Year Pat Surtain II and starting right guard Ben Powers. While Payton was not definitive, other comments made during his media availability suggested Dobbins would miss time.
Sean Payton Touts Broncos’ RBs Amid J.K. Dobbins Injury
GettyRJ Harvey #12 of the Denver Broncos scores a touchdown against the Cincinnati Bengals.
Payton suggested rookie second-round pick RJ Harvey could receive a larger workload in Week 11, when the Broncos will face the Kansas City Chiefs. That may hold, even if Dobbins manages to play.
However, Payton also named-dropped former coaching staff darling Jaleel McLaughlin, who has played in one game this season, Week 6 against the New York Jets.
Rookie wideout Pat Bryant, the Broncos’ third-round pick, also received kudos.
“When we drafted him, it was his running skill set and, man, he had a lot of touches,” Payton told media members. “Then, you have experience in a guy like Jaleel, who’s explosive and has been chomping at the bit.
“I think sometimes players are not held back. But when you’re watching Pat Bryant grow right in front of our eyes, and you’re starting to see that with RJ – and, obviously, he’ll have more opportunities here um in this game. So, yeah. He’s built. When you see his frame, he’s built to last, and that’s important.”
RJ Harvey Built to Withstand Large Workload
Payton’s recent comments closely align with what the veteran head coach said about Harvey’s size before the season. Durability is even more important for Harvey, a former who tore his ACL in college, with Dobbins injured.
“I know the question is, ‘Is he a three-down back?’ Well, he’s going to play on third down,” Payton told reporters in May. “If you watch his stature … he’s put together pretty well. So, there’s a difference between a small runner and a short runner. We’re not interested in the small runners, but we’re okay with the short runners.”
Harvey has 214 yards and 2 TDs on 50 carries, adding another 175 yards and 4 scores on 25 receptions.
How the Broncos balance Harvey’s workload if Dobbins sits is the key against the Chiefs.
The Unlikely MVP: Jonathan Taylor Fuels Colts’ Surprise Season
The 2025 NFL season has delivered its usual share of drama and unexpected turns, but perhaps no story is more compelling than the resurgence of Indianapolis Colts running back Jonathan Taylor. A couple years after the Colts organization seemed ready to move on from their former All-Pro, Taylor has not only reclaimed his elite form but is now the clear frontrunner for the NFL Offensive Player of the Year award and a dark-horse MVP candidate, powering Indianapolis to a surprising start in the AFC South.
The Unlikely MVP: Jonathan Taylor Fuels Colts to Strong 8-2 Start
From Potential Trade Bait to Unquestioned Bell Cow
Entering the 2025 season, the narrative around Taylor in Indianapolis was fraught with uncertainty. Dealing with multiple injuries throughout his career and an offseason marked by a public contract dispute in 2023, many wondered if he had a future in Indianapolis. The Colts had even explored trade options in the past, signaling a potential split if Indianapolis struggled early on in 2025 as expected. The situation was further complicated by the team’s quarterback dynamics, with 2023 first-round pick Anthony Richardson seemingly falling out of favor and veteran Daniel Jones named the starter for 2025.
But once the regular season began, Taylor provided an emphatic answer. He quickly put the drama and previous injuries behind him, showcasing the explosive, game-breaking talent that made him a first-team All-Pro in 2021.
A Dominant Mid-Season Performance
Through the first 10 weeks of the 2025 season, Taylor has been a dominant force, leading the league in rushing yards and total expected points added (EPA) among running backs. He has rushed for over 100 yards in multiple games and has been the engine of the Colts’ offense. His ability to control the clock and consistently break tackles has been instrumental in the team’s unexpected 8-2 record through the first 10 games.
Taylor’s success has also taken immense pressure off of Jones and the entire offense. The Colts’ game plan has effectively leaned into their potent ground game, a strategy that has stifled opposing defenses and kept the chains moving. This shift in offensive identity has transformed Indianapolis from an overlooked team to a legitimate Super Bowl contender and they are currently fighting for the top seed in the AFC.
An Unlikely MVP Race
The conversation around the 2025 NFL MVP has been dominated by perennial favorites like Patrick Mahomes, Josh Allen, and Lamar Jackson, along with the surprising emergence of Drake Maye. However, Taylor’s undeniable impact has forced his way into the conversation. A running back winning MVP is a rare feat in the modern, pass-heavy NFL, but his production is making a compelling case.
The Colts success is intrinsically tied to Taylor’s performance. When he gets at least 18 carries, the team is undefeated, a stark indicator of his value. With the AFC having a ferocious chess match at the top, having a player who can single-handedly alter the course of a game provides Indianapolis with a unique edge. If you were to take Taylor off the Colts, they would no longer be Super Bowl contenders and an argument could be made that they wouldn’t even be the best team in the AFC South. This makes Taylor just as valuable as the quarterbacks he is competing against for the award.
As the second half of the season is underway, all eyes are on Taylor to see if he can maintain this historic pace and carry the Colts deep into the postseason. It is an inspiring tale of redemption and resilience, reminding the football world that even in a league dominated by quarterbacks, a superstar running back can still be the heart and soul of a championship-caliber team.
