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Dobbins promised reporters he will not get injured this season and told them to 'remember this day,' setting a goal to lead the NFL in rushing. The source notes his confidence and goal-setting mindset, though acknowledges the difficulty of keeping such promises given his injury history.

Head Coach Sean Payton stated that Dobbins was a big part of why the Broncos won 14 games last season, and that he and General Manager George Paton had strong opinions about re-signing him. Payton emphasized that Dobbins' contributions to the team's success can sometimes get lost in the narrative surrounding his injury history, but that when healthy, what he brings to the offense was instrumental to their record.

Dobbins has made specific changes to address his injury history, including regaining flexibility he lost when younger and returning to his college weight. He explained: "When I was younger, I could do the splits. I think I lost a little bit of that flexibility; I just wasn't paying attention to it as much. Now I'm back to that. And back to my college weight. And I'm doing all the little things." He also referenced a superstition about his three major injuries (knee, Achilles, foot) all occurring on his left leg, suggesting that injury cycle is complete: "All on my left leg, I've had the knee, the Achilles, and the foot. It's over."

The source notes that Dobbins will play a crucial role in the success of the Broncos offense this season, specifically regarding his health and staying on the field. Prior to his Lisfranc injury against Las Vegas, Dobbins was one of the best running backs in the NFL. Head coach Sean Payton emphasized his value: "He was a big part of why we won 14 games last year, and sometimes that can get lost in the narrative. Certainly, he's been injured, and yet what we were able to do when he was healthy had a lot to do with where we ended up." Payton also stated: "I believe in the player a lot."

Dobbins made a bold claim during Broncos training camp that he will be the number one rushing RB in the NFL in 2026, committing to play all 17 games and end his injury curse. He stated: "I'm gonna be number one, and I'm gonna keep it there for the whole year. 17 games." and "This year, there won't be any (injuries)." Dobbins acknowledged skepticism from people who say he's good for the first 10 weeks, but promised to finish the season as the top rushing back.

Dobbins promised reporters he will not get injured this season and told them to "remember this day," setting a goal to lead the NFL in rushing. The source notes his confidence and goal-setting mindset, though acknowledges the difficulty of keeping such promises.

Head Coach Sean Payton stated that Dobbins was a big part of why the Broncos won 14 games last season, and that Payton and General Manager George Paton had strong opinions about re-signing him. Payton emphasized that Dobbins' contributions were significant when healthy, and that the running back room has improved markedly since 2023.

Running back 35 on Yahoo in the ninth round represents strong value for zero-hero RB strategy; despite injury history (54 games missed in five seasons, at least four games missed every season), last year's production metrics were elite when healthy: seventh-best yards per carry, fifth in explosive run rate, 16th in yards after contact, and avoided negative runs effectively. On pace for 1,312 rushing yards through 10 weeks with improved offensive line depth. If he plays even 10 games at last year's pace, he pays off his ADP; if he stays healthy, projects as RB2 this season.

Dobbins extends his own quiet multi-week rise, moving up 5 spots to No. 89 as the market gradually reprices his role and opportunity.

Positioned as deep sleeper with upside if healthy. 'Balled out when healthy last year'; Waddle trade opens run game; top-5 OL. Concern: in committee, limited pass-work. One owner targeting him as RB2 with conviction. Controversial pick but defended as great mid/late-round value.

J.K. Dobbins headlines the Denver Broncos' top two running backs going into training camp.

Dobbins leads the Broncos backfield in 2026, with projections showing a two-man race between Dobbins and RJ Harvey, though Dobbins is older and has had injuries pile up.

With JK Dobbins back and healthy after an injury that derailed the Broncos' run game late last season, the team figures to be a better running team in 2026.

Expected to be the clear lead back on early downs in Denver, with the analyst projecting him as the only Denver running back worth drafting at current ADP.

J.K. Dobbins (RB, DEN) is #94 overall in Hayden Winks' 2026 Half-PPR rankings vs. Underdog ADP 97.4 with a 147.2-point projection. Verdict: Dobbins faces too many Qs to target in sure-fire committee offense. Dobbins likely would've been a top-10 RB throughout his NFL career had he not dealt with these injuries. Unfortunately, a broken foot in 2025 is yet another major injury to factor into his upcoming age-27 season. Dobbins was the RB25 on RB29 usage through 10 weeks as the Broncos' clear top option.