The Denver Broncos have announced that running back J.K. Dobbins has been designated for return from injured reserve ahead of the AFC Championship Game against the New England Patriots. The move allows Dobbins to participate in practice this week.
Dobbins had been sidelined since sustaining an injury during a Week 10 victory over the Las Vegas Raiders. Despite missing the final seven games of the regular season, he led the team in rushing with 772 yards, averaging 5.0 yards per carry and scoring four touchdowns. He achieved two games with more than 100 rushing yards and surpassed 60 rushing yards in nine out of ten appearances this season.
In addition to Dobbins’ return, Denver signed quarterback Ben DiNucci to the practice squad. DiNucci previously played three games for the Dallas Cowboys in 2020 and spent last season with the Broncos. Since then, he has also been part of practice squads for the Buffalo Bills, New Orleans Saints, and Atlanta Falcons. In 2023, DiNucci was a leading player in the XFL, topping the league in completions and passing yards while ranking second in touchdown passes.
To make room on the practice squad, defensive end Garrett Nelson was released.
The Broncos have now designated eight players for return from injured reserve this season out of a possible ten. Other players previously designated include Malcolm Roach, Dre Greenlaw, Garret Wallow, Ben Powers, Karene Reid, Drew Sanders, and Lucas Krull.
