J.K. Dobbins Rumors Update Injury Return Timeline Ahead of Broncos' AFC Title Game vs. Patriots

The Denver Broncos will be without quarterback Bo Nix for the rest of the playoffs because of a fractured ankle, but they reportedly might get another key offensive weapon back for Sunday's AFC Championship Game against the New England Patriots.

ESPN's Adam Schefter reported Monday that Denver is opening a practice window for running back J.K. Dobbins, who has not played since a Nov. 6 win over the Las Vegas Raiders because of a foot injury.

Schefter noted Dobbins' setback "was thought to be a season-ending" one.

Yet head coach Sean Payton told reporters in November there was a "chance" the running back could return at some point in the playoffs.

While RJ Harvey and Jaleel McLaughlin have taken over the running game since Dobbins' injury, the Ohio State product would provide a boost to an offense that may be more reliant on the rushing attack than ever with Nix sidelined and backup Jarrett Stidham set to take over under center.

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He ran for 772 yards and four touchdowns at five yards per carry prior to the injury and still ended the season as the Broncos' leading rusher despite missing seven games.

Dobbins would surely be asked to share the carries with Harvey and McLaughlin if he did return, but it's not as if either of them has been particularly dominant. In fact, Nix led the team with 29 rushing yards during the AFC Divisional Round win over the Buffalo Bills.

Denver could use all the offensive help it can get without its starting quarterback, and getting Dobbins back would at least provide another weapon.