Broncos Re-sign RB J.K. Dobbins

Fantasy Football Impact: Dobbins' return raises questions about Denver's backfield

Published on Mar. 9, 2026

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The Denver Broncos have re-signed free agent running back J.K. Dobbins, according to NFL insider Jordan Schultz. Dobbins was off to a strong start in 2025 before suffering a season-ending Lisfranc injury in Week 10, and he has struggled with durability issues throughout his career. The Broncos will also have R.J. Harvey, who took over as the lead back after Dobbins' injury last season, in the mix, creating a potential timeshare in the backfield.

Why it matters

Dobbins' return to the Broncos raises questions about the team's backfield plans for 2026. While Dobbins was the more effective runner when healthy, Harvey emerged as a capable pass-catching back, creating a potential timeshare that could limit both players' fantasy value.

The details

Dobbins had 153 carries for 772 yards (5.0 YPC) and four touchdowns through the first 10 weeks of the 2025 season, making him RB22 in half-point PPR fantasy points per game. However, he sustained a season-ending Lisfranc injury in Week 10. Dobbins has also dealt with other significant injuries, including a torn ACL in 2021 and a torn Achilles in 2023. Harvey, who played a complementary role early in his rookie season, became the Broncos' lead back after Dobbins' injury and had 47 receptions, showcasing his pass-catching ability.

  • Dobbins was off to a strong start in 2025 before suffering a season-ending Lisfranc injury in Week 10.
  • Dobbins has dealt with other significant injuries, including a torn ACL in 2021 and a torn Achilles in 2023.

The players

J.K. Dobbins

A running back for the Denver Broncos who has struggled with durability issues throughout his career, including a season-ending Lisfranc injury in 2025.

R.J. Harvey

A running back for the Denver Broncos who emerged as the team's lead back after Dobbins' injury in 2025, showcasing his pass-catching ability.

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What they’re saying

“If Dobbins can stay healthy, he has a good chance to be Broncos head coach Sean Payton's primary early-down back in 2026. But R.J. Harvey will have a substantial role, too.”

— Pat Fitzmaurice, Fantasy Football Analyst (FantasyPros)

“Durability has been a major problem for Dobbins throughout his career. In addition to last year's foot injury, Dobbins tore his ACL in 2021 and tore his Achilles in 2023.”

— Pat Fitzmaurice, Fantasy Football Analyst (FantasyPros)

The takeaway

The Broncos' backfield situation remains uncertain, with Dobbins' injury history and Harvey's emergence as a pass-catching threat creating a potential timeshare that could limit the fantasy value of both players. Dobbins' durability concerns and lack of pass-catching upside make him a risky fantasy option, while Harvey's versatility could make him the more valuable asset in Denver's offense.