What Options Do Broncos Have to Replace J.K. Dobbins?

The Obvious Choice — RJ Harvey

RJ Harvey is the obvious answer to replacing Denver’s most reliable chain remover.  The rookie has 61 carries in 11 games this season while averaging 4.0 yards per carry, which is similar production to Dobbins’ 5.0 yards per carry.  

Harvey has beaten out Dobbins in one category this season — receiving.  Dobbins doesn’t catch the ball much, only tallying 11 receptions this season to pair with 37 measly receiving yards.  The rookie Harvey beats him out easily in that category, averaging over double Dobbins’ yards per reception and hauling in four receiving touchdowns this season.

Now that the NFL trade deadline has passed, there aren’t many moves that can magically fill a hole where one of the best running backs in the NFL this season once resided. While it might not be a perfect option, the Broncos have an in-house talent that can take over the RB2 role.

An Unlikely Option — Jaleel McLaughlin

Jaleel McLaughlin is no stranger to Denver’s offense — he’s been the first-option running back over the last two seasons in the Mile High City. While his two seasons of work don’t show a lot of success, he does flash one glaring positive — the ability to stay healthy.

Health is the most important thing not only in football, but sports in general.  McLaughlin played in all 17 contests in 2023 and in 16 games last season.

With the injury bug spreading like wildfire around the Broncos’ clubhouse this year, having durable pieces like McLaughlin carries more value than the average person might think. In their most recent game against Kansas City, the third-year back had 19 rushing yards on six attempts, even managing to punch one through the endzone for a touchdown. 

In just one game, McLaughlin tied his touchdown total from the last two seasons.

Payton’s Puzzle

Sean Payton has a lot of mixing and matching to do with his star rusher out until next season. While Harvey and McLaughlin are somewhat viable to replace Dobbins on offense, it might be in Payton’s interest to get creative with play-calling.  

Denver has run screen passes and check downs all season, which has hurt them a lot more than it has helped. While the first instinct now that their leading rusher is out might be to increase the usage of these short passes, Payton should steer in a different direction to surge the already inconsistent offense.

Because McLaughlin is a lighter running back, Bo Nix incorporating more motion and misalignment at the line of scrimmage could be effective. This would keep linebackers off balance, giving McLaughlin more space to run.  

This also opens up opportunities for pass-first running backs like Harvey, who would have more time to get open due to the delayed pass rush. An increase in motion would also help disguise the ground game from the passing game, and will also help prevent defenses from stacking the box and frequently blitzing.  

Losing a premiere back in the NFL is bad enough — having to plug holes to try and replicate that production is even more daunting. 

Unfortunately, that’s the reality that Sean Payton and the Broncos face. The bottom line, though — if Denver wants to make a deep run into the playoffs this winter, they will need avid production from their backs.