Isaiah J. Downing-Imagn Images

Broncos Announce Bad News on Friday

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Paolo Songco | Last updated Jan 23, 2026 5:52 PM ET

The Denver Broncos are making their final preparations for Sunday’s conference championship game against the New England Patriots. The Broncos were dealt a massive blow right after their divisional round win over Josh Allen and the Buffalo Bills. They lost star quarterback Bo Nix to a season-ending ankle injury in the second-to-last play of the game.

Nix is not the only key player who will be out against the Patriots. J.K. Dobbins has been working his way back after undergoing surgery on his foot earlier this season. The Broncos announced their injury report for Sunday’s game, and it’s not good news for the 27-year-old running back.

Denver Broncos running back J.K. Dobbins (27) warms up before the game against the San Francisco 49ers.Credit: Kyle Terada-Imagn Images

Dobbins suffered a foot injury in Week 10 against the Las Vegas Raiders. He was diagnosed with a Lisfranc foot injury, which required surgery. At that time, it was expected to be a season-ending procedure for Dobbins. However, the former Ohio State Buckeyes standout has been working extra hard in his rehab, hoping to return for the postseason.

The Broncos activated Dobbins from injured reserve on Monday, indicating his potential return for the conference championship. He practiced on Wednesday and Thursday, albeit in a limited capacity, further adding optimism for his return.

Unfortunately for the Broncos, Dobbins is not healthy enough to play against the Patriots. The team announced on Friday via the injury report that Dobbins has officially been ruled out for Sunday’s contest.

Friday's #NEvsDEN injury report:

» https://t.co/oLRebw4qun pic.twitter.com/4eUnvsglED
— Denver Broncos (@Broncos) January 23, 2026

With Dobbins and Nix out, Jaleel McLaughlin and RJ Harvey will lead Denver’s rushing attack against New England. Dobbins’ next chance to return would be at the Super Bowl against either the Los Angeles Rams or the Seattle Seahawks.

The shorthanded Broncos will need to go through the Patriots first, though. This will be a massive challenge for Denver as it looks to return to the big game for the first time since Peyton Manning led it there in 2015.

The Broncos will host Sunday’s conference championship game at Empower Field at Mile High. Kickoff is scheduled for 3:00 p.m. ET.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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