Dobbins Pushes Back on Questions About His Broncos Role

Denver Broncos running back J.K. Dobbins pushed back against questions about losing carries to younger teammates after the team’s 30-16 victory. He said he was focused on winning and supported rookie backs Jonah Coleman and RJ Harvey III, rather than treating the reduced workload as a dispute with the team.

Dobbins challenged a reporter to consider the game situation and the coaches’ plan. Denver had built a substantial lead, and Dobbins said preserving his availability over the season was important. He also emphasized that he wanted the younger players to succeed and was helping coach them.

His playing time fell to 23 percent of the snaps, his lowest share of the season, while Coleman returned from injury and played 49 percent. Dobbins had six carries for 23 yards and scored a touchdown. He said frustration would be understandable if the team were losing, but winning was his priority.

Dobbins also objected to being described as old or past his prime, noting that he is 27. Since his first year, he has appeared in no more than 13 games in any season, amid a series of injuries, and said he wanted to remain healthy through the full schedule.

Denver’s next games against Kansas City and Carolina will provide a test of Dobbins’ outlook on the offense. He said he expects his yards per carry to rise above five and said he feels healthy. The NFL trade deadline comes two days after the Panthers game, with speculation about Denver pursuing Indianapolis running back Jonathan Taylor still circulating.