J.K. Dobbins won’t say if he’s 100%, just trying to make plays

Denver Broncos running backs have only run in one touchdown through four games as the team’s offense has come under heavy scrutiny for struggling.

One of the team’s biggest moves this past offseason was bringing back veteran running back J.K. Dobbins, who has been one of the best rushers in football the rare times he’s been healthy the last several years. But Dobbins hasn’t been running well to start this season, which is making folks wonder if he’s truly heathy — even if he has been active every week.

“Yeah, I’m healthy. I’m out there,” Dobbins said Thursday after practice. “Anytime, whether it’s fully healthy, not healthy, 75%, 60%, 80%, 90%, 100%, if I’m out there, I gotta play good. You know what I mean. No matter what’s going on, I’m going out there, which means I can make plays.”

Broncos RB J.K. Dobbins, on whether he's fully healthy: "Yeah, I'm healthy. I'm healthy. I mean, I'm out there playing. Any time — whether it's fully healthy, not healthy, 75, 60, 80, 90, 100 — if I'm out there, I've gotta play good, you know what I mean? Like, no matter what's… pic.twitter.com/S4gq7Xwhjd

— Andrew Mason (@MaseDenver) October 8, 2026

Dobbins has a 161 yards on 46 carries with another three catches for 16 yards. He hasn’t found the end zone yet. Last year, Dobbins had 323 yards on 57 carries with three touchdowns and another 18 yards on five catches four weeks in. He was one of the NFL’s best running backs before he went down with a season-ending foot injury in Week 10.

Every JK Dobbins touch for the #Broncos from Week 4

Does anything stand out to you? 🤔 pic.twitter.com/em48gUrUji

— Kodiak Broncos (@KodiakBroncos) October 5, 2026

But even if Dobbins isn’t fully himself, the Broncos are admitting to larger problems with their offense. On Thursday, they confirmed head coach Sean Payton is taking back play-calling from first year offensive coordinator Davis Webb. The team’s issues in the run game was cited as one of Payton’s main reasons for the change.

Outside of Dobbins, RJ Harvey has just 49 yards on 12 carries over his three active games while rookie Jonah Coleman is on IR, after just two games where he rushed for 39 yards on 10 carries and the team’s only touchdown.

If Denver is to have a breakout on the ground, the best bet is Dobbins given his resume. His hesitance with health is a bad sign as he’s aiming to play every game for the Broncos this year. But maybe a matchup against his former team in the Los Angeles Chargers, who he had a nice game against last year, can spark his season. We’ll find out Sunday.

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