Broncos RB Reveals Why He Left Division Rivals This Offseason

Offseason free agent acquisition, JK Dobbins, has established himself as the lead back in the Denver Broncos‘ rotation – at least for now, managing around 70% of the team’s carries at the position (30), to rookie, RJ Harvey‘s 11.

Some were surprised that Dobbins’ prior team, the Los Angeles Chargers, did not bring him back after putting forth a 905 yard rushing season, averaging 4.6 yards/carry – and doing so despite missing a month of action mid-season.

Especially considering that the former Raven’s one year deal with the Broncos came out to to just $2 million – a very small commitment for a player who has substantial experience and capability in leading an NFL rushing attack.

JK Dobbins Did Not Re-Sign With Chargers Due To ‘Business’ Discrepancy

Speaking to the media on Thursday, Dobbins revealed that whilst LA did try to bring him back after the culmination of the 2024 season, the pair “did not see eye-to-eye”, according to the sixth year back.

When prompted by the interviewer as to whether Dobbins was interested in ‘revenge’ on the Chargers – whom Denver faces on Sunday – after they chose to not to re-sign him, Dobbins set the record straight on his former team.

“They did [want me back], yeah of course. But we just didn’t see eye-to-eye, and business is business. They did what they had to do, I did what I had to do. They absolutely wanted me, but we just didn’t see eye-to-eye business wise. So that’s where that’s at.”

After being subsequently asked if the “business” noted by Dobbins refers to the salary offered, the former Charger gave a pretty clear answer.

“Something like that.”

Dobbins Looking For Another Big Day On Return To Los Angeles

Given that Denver gave Dobbins just $2 million/year, the Chargers must have seriously low-balled the former second round pick. So it would certainly seem – even if the player himself would not allude to it specifically – that Dobbins will be looking for a big day on the ground in what is both a crucial early-season in-division matchup and grudge match.

Dobbins retaining the lions share of the carries is not certain to continue through the entirety of the 2025 season, as rookie second rounder, Harvey looks to establish himself as a viable option in both the run and passing game under head coach and offensive guru, Sean Payton.

But, for now, he is the lead back and is set to continue getting the majority of carries for the foreseeable future.

On the season, the Ohio State grad has 30 carries for 139 yards and 2 touchdowns, good for approximately 70 rushing yards per game. At this pace, Dobbins would crush his former season-best for carries, which currently lies at the 195 he had last season with the Chargers, at 255.

Even with the looming threat of Harvey eating into his workload, Dobbins’ biggest concern will be staying healthy. Since his rookie season, Dobbins has had just one season (2024) in which he played in double-digit games. And from 2021-23, he suited up just 9 times after suffering multiple knee injuries and an Achilles tear.

So if he is able to to stay – for the most part – healthy and on the roster, Dobbins could be looking at a potential career year in Denver.

Browns Get Bad News on Injury Status of All-Pro Starter

The Cleveland Browns could be without All-Pro guard Joel Bitonio when the team hosts the Green Bay Packers in Week 3.

Bitonio has been dealing with a back injury, and he didn’t practice on Sept. 19, meaning he didn’t practice all week. Given that he didn’t practice, his availability for the game is up in the air as he’s listed as questionable on the injury report.

Bitonio said the back injury is similar to what he has experienced in the past. So he’s hopeful he will be able to play through it.

“I got full speed in the game there and it locked up on me a little bit but I’m working through it So, it’s a little bit better today than it was yesterday, so it’s (an) improvement,” Bitonio said on Sept. 18 18. “The hardest part is you don’t know when it’s going to pop up. But once it does happen, I do know what has helped it in the past, and now you’re just hoping that the 48 hours and stuff will get through it.”

Browns coach Kevin Stefanski, meanwhile, says Bitonio is ‘progressing’ but his game status remains in the air. But, the coach is confident the veteran can play on Sunday if he’s healthy enough, despite not practicing all week.

Bitonio is a two-time first-team All-Pro and the Browns’ starting left guard.

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Who Would Replace Bitonio if he’s Injured?

Although Cleveland is holding out hope that Bitonio can play, the Browns are prepared if he isn’t in the lineup against the Packers.

Should Bitonio be inactive, Cleveland will start Teven Jenkins at left guard. Jenkins was a second-round pick in 2021 by the Chicago Bears, and Browns offensive line coach Mike Bloomgren is confident in Jenkins.

“Teven’s gotten better and better every week. We’ve had a chance to work with him. You go back to the first preseason game. I didn’t think he performed anywhere near he was capable of. And he’s built on those performances, and he’s continued to grow,” Bloomgren said. “I think myself and other coaches in the room have a lot of confidence in Teven, if he is the one out there. The experience he had in Chicago (Bears), whether it was playing tackle or playing guard, this is a guy that’s played a lot of football in this league and played good football. We certainly would expect him to do the same.”

Jenkins has started 38 games in the NFL. So, he has plenty of experience, should Bitonio not play.

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Browns OL Coach Confident Bitonio Will Play

Although Bloomgren is confident in Jenkins, he remains confident that Bitonio will play on Sunday.

Bloomgren believes that if Bitonio can walk, he will do whatever it takes to take the field on Sunday.

“But I’m going to be right there with you on Joel. I think Joel’s playing as good a football as anybody in the National Football League at the guard position,” Bloomgren said. “I think Wyatt’s really close behind him. So, I love what those guards are doing, and we certainly want them out there. We want Teven to have whatever role we can get for him. But at the end of the day, I believe this in my core, Joel is like the modern gladiator. If he can walk, I believe he’ll play on Sunday, and I appreciate that so much.”

Bitonio has started 161 games in his career.

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