Dobbins claims injury management drives reduced role in Broncos backfield

Denver Broncos running back J.K. Dobbins rejected the narrative that he is being displaced by rookie Jonah Coleman, telling reporters Thursday that his reduced workload is a deliberate strategy to preserve his health for the postseason. Dobbins argued that the team’s recent opponents have focused heavily on stopping him, which has lowered his efficiency metrics rather than indicating a decline in his physical abilities.

Dobbins cited his performance against the Arizona Cardinals on Sunday as evidence of this plan. He noted that he recorded four carries for 20 yards in the first half before receiving only two carries in the second half. His final touch came on the last play of the third quarter, a one-yard touchdown run that extended Denver’s lead to 27-13. After that score, head coach Sean Payton decided to let the young player finish the game.

“It’s a long season and I’m feeling great,” Dobbins said. “The coaches are doing everything to keep me healthy. And when I’m healthy, I think I’m dangerous.” He emphasized that the team was winning comfortably, which justified the shift in ball distribution. “We were up pretty good, correct? So could you take that into account before you start saying stuff like that?”

The shift in usage is evident in the team’s snap counts. Against Arizona, Coleman played 49% of offensive snaps, while Dobbins played just 23%. That figure marks the lowest snap count of Dobbins’ 54-game NFL career. Offensive coordinator Davis Webb confirmed the strategy, stating that the staff watched Coleman get hot and decided to ride his momentum at the end of the contest.

Payton echoed this sentiment, praising Coleman’s explosive play and stating that the Broncos “have to get him more touches. Definitely.” The coach added that the young back has earned the additional opportunities through his performance. Webb described the decision as a week-to-week evaluation, noting that the team will continue to assess how the backfield is utilized in upcoming games.

Dobbins acknowledged that his per-carry average has dropped to 3.4 yards this season, a career low compared to his previous norms. He attributed this to facing six strong defenses in a row and pointed to his GPS metrics, which he says remain consistent with recent years. Coleman, who missed four games with an ankle sprain, is averaging 4.9 yards per carry on 19 total touches.

The veteran back said he is not concerned about his individual statistics as long as the team wins. “Now, if we’re losing and I’m not getting the carries, (Shoot), then I’m going to be mad as (expletive),” Dobbins said. “If we’re winning and it’s working, I just want to win.” He concluded by affirming his trust in the coaching staff to manage his workload through the remainder of the regular season.

Dobbins has not played more than 13 games in a season since his rookie year due to various injuries. He is 27 years old and stated that he intends to play most of the year at that age. The Broncos will continue to evaluate the backfield composition as they prepare for their next matchup.