Payton Provides Clarity on Broncos RB J.K. Dobbins for Finale

Denver Broncos running back J.K. Dobbins was inactive for Friday's preseason game versus Green Bay, the second such missed contest this summer.

But head coach Sean Payton cracked the door, however slightly, for Dobbins to make his debut next Friday when the Broncos conclude exhibition play against the Minnesota Vikings.

“We’ll see. Yes," Payton said when asked if he expects Dobbins to suit up.

Dobbins suffered a soft-tissue injury during training camp practice earlier this month, the severity of which Payton confirmed was minor: "We’re just being smart with it."

With Dobbins down, the Broncos started second-year man RJ Harvey at running back in the 33-13 defeat to the Packers. Harvey handled only one carry, but finished with two receptions for 25 yards, including a 21-yard touchdown from quarterback Bo Nix.

“Well honestly, he was like that last year, so the growth I haven’t seen much because he started so far out in front as a pass catcher," Nix said of Harvey after the game. "I knew when he came in last year, seeing him for the first time at practice that that was going to be his strongest ability. The catch he made wasn’t necessarily easy. He’s just done that his career here so far, just over a year and some change. I’m excited to see him continue to develop. He’s a special football player.”

The Broncos also got contributions from several other RBs, including Jonah Coleman, Jaleel McLaughlin, Tyler Badie, and Cody Schrader. McLaughlin and Schrader tied for the team lead in attempts (4) and rushing yards (15), each posting a 3.8 YPC average.

No Reason to Rush It

It's understandable that Dobbins, if fully healthy, would want to go in the preseason finale. And it's understandable that Denver would want to get him out there, even for a few snaps, to prove he's ready.

But that's ultimately a game that doesn't count; the Broncos would be wiser to preserve him for the games that do -- starting Week 1 against the rival Kansas City Chiefs, a matchup in which his services will be required.

Given his checkered injury history, the Broncos indeed may mothball Dobbins until that moment, all the while continuing to evaluate the players behind him on the depth chart who struggled to perform up to snuff on Friday evening.

“Yes, it wasn’t good. It wasn’t good," Payton said of the rushing offense. "We’ll look at the tape, but we had too many minus plays, too many penalties offensively. I don’t know how many third-and-10 or more we had, but quite a bit, right?”

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