Broncos Need J.K. Dobbins to Revive Rushing Attack

Denver's struggling ground game faces a critical test in Week 5 as running back J.K. Dobbins looks to regain his previous form against the Los Angeles Chargers on Sunday. The Broncos, who entered the season with high expectations after a 14-3 record in 2025, are 2-2 and need better rushing production to support quarterback Bo Nix and improve their offensive efficiency.

According to NBC Sports and The Denver Post, Dobbins has accumulated 161 rushing yards on 46 carries through four games, averaging 3.5 yards per attempt. That figure falls well below his career average of 5.1 yards per carry and his early-season production in 2025.

The Broncos have recorded 325 rushing yards this season, compared with 573 at the same stage last year, according to Predominantly Orange. Denver also ranks 26th in rushing attempts per game, averaging 22.5, and 29th in total rushing yards, according to The Denver Post.

Dobbins acknowledged his disappointment with his current performance while maintaining that he intends to meet his own expectations.

"Right now, it's a dark spot," Dobbins said, as reported by NBC Sports through The Denver Post. "That's part of being in the NFL, though. I'm going to find a way to play to the standard that I play at."

The running back sustained a soft-tissue injury during training camp, and The Denver Post also noted a possible hamstring issue dating to the game against Jacksonville. However, Dobbins has declined to blame his production on physical problems.

"I'm healthy," Dobbins said. "I'm out there playing. Any time — whether it's fully healthy, not healthy, 75 percent, 60, 80, 90, 100, if I'm out there, I've got to play good, you know what I mean?

No matter what's going on, if I'm going out there, that means I think I can make plays. . . . It don't matter. . . . I've got to make my plays and I've got to be me."

His reduced role has added pressure. Against the San Francisco 49ers, Dobbins played 21 snaps while rookie R.J. Harvey logged 29, according to NBC Sports. Dobbins did not receive a carry until the second quarter, although he said his visible emotions reflected his competitive drive rather than frustration about playing time.

"I just love the game," Dobbins said. "I'm a passionate guy. Whatever you saw, it was just me wanting to win the game.

I just want to win no matter what, you know? It could be me getting two carries in two minutes of playing time. As long as we win the game, I'm fine.

It has nothing to do with me being a passionate guy and wanting to win the game."

Denver coach Sean Payton has reclaimed play-calling duties after the team made a change involving offensive coordinator Davis Webb. The Denver Post reported that inconsistent blocking and an unclear rushing identity have also contributed to the offense's difficulties.

Payton emphasized Dobbins' importance while stopping short of suggesting that a turnaround was guaranteed.

"It's early, but he's an important piece to what we're doing," Payton said, according to The Denver Post.

Dobbins' previous production provides a benchmark for the recovery Denver hopes to see. During the first four games of 2025, he averaged 5.7 yards per carry and scored three touchdowns, according to The Denver Post. Across his first 10 games that season, he accumulated 772 rushing yards before a Lisfranc injury ended his campaign.

Predominantly Orange reported that the Chargers had allowed 314 rushing yards over their previous two games, offering Denver an opportunity to improve its ground production. Dobbins also produced 83 yards and a touchdown on 11 touches against Los Angeles in Week 3 of the previous season.

Rookie Jonah Coleman could also return after missing two games, while Harvey's increased involvement gives Denver additional options in the backfield. With the Broncos preparing for their Week 5 matchup, the team must address both its rushing efficiency and the distribution of carries among its running backs.