J.K. Dobbins Has Struggled Through Four Games

The Broncos running back has recorded only 161 rushing yards this season amid ongoing health concerns.

Updated on Oct. 9, 2026 in Football

J.K. Dobbins Has Struggled Through Four Games

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Denver Broncos running back J.K. Dobbins has tallied just 161 rushing yards on 46 carries during the first four games of the 2026 season. His performance has drawn public scrutiny from former Broncos player Phillip Lindsay regarding his health.

Why it matters

The team signed Dobbins to a two-year deal in March 2026 to stabilize the running game and support quarterback Bo Nix. His slow start coincides with the Broncos ranking 29th in the NFL in rushing, averaging only 81.3 yards per game.

Dobbins averages 3.5 yards per carry and currently ranks 30th in the NFL in rushing yards. He is playing under a contract worth $16 million, which includes $8 million in guaranteed money.

The players

J.K. Dobbins

He is a professional running back for the Denver Broncos who previously played for the Baltimore Ravens.

Bo Nix

He serves as the starting quarterback for the Denver Broncos.

Phillip Lindsay

He is a former Denver Broncos running back who has publicly questioned Dobbins' current performance and health.

Kenneth Walker

He is a professional running back currently leading the NFL in rushing yardage.

The details

Dobbins has battled physical setbacks including a Lisfranc foot fracture from 2025, a training camp soft-tissue injury, and a hip issue officially noted on the September 23 injury report. He missed the fourth quarter of the September 20 game against Jacksonville as the team struggles to establish a reliable offensive ground presence.

July 31, 2026: Dobbins stated his goal to lead the league in rushing.
August 10, 2026: Dobbins departed practice early due to a soft-tissue injury.
September 20, 2026: Dobbins exited the game against Jacksonville in the fourth quarter.
September 23, 2026: The team officially listed Dobbins with a hip injury.
October 11, 2026: The Broncos are scheduled to play the Los Angeles Chargers.

Roadmap

The acquisition of Dobbins represents a strategic effort by the Broncos to transition away from the stagnant ground production that hampered their previous season. His inability to find rhythm highlights the wider volatility of running backs returning from significant lower-body injuries.

Dobbins' current average of 3.5 yards per carry and his 30th-place ranking in the NFL suggest limited utility for fantasy rosters. With the Broncos ranking 29th in rushing yards per game, the team's overall offensive efficiency will likely remain reliant on the passing game until the ground attack improves.

The takeaway

The effectiveness of the Broncos' offense depends heavily on Dobbins regaining the form that earned him his current contract. Readers should monitor future injury reports closely to see if his hip issue continues to limit his availability and explosive potential.