Despite signing a $5.25 million deal with the Denver Broncos this offseason, former Ravens running back J.K. Dobbins finds himself in an unfamiliar position—he isn’t the frontrunner to lead the backfield. According to The Athletic’s Nick Kosminder, the early favorite to command the Broncos’ rushing attack isn’t the seasoned veteran with the big payday, but instead a dynamic rookie: RJ Harvey.
That revelation might surprise casual NFL observers, but those paying attention to Denver’s offseason reports know Harvey has been turning heads. The undrafted rookie out of UCF has impressed coaches and teammates alike with his vision, explosiveness, and relentless drive during team activities. He’s seized every opportunity, showing a natural ability to burst through holes, create in space, and even catch passes out of the backfield. His versatility and upside have already elevated him into the conversation as a potential RB1 for a Broncos team in transition.
The decision to bring Dobbins to Denver in the first place wasn’t just a football move—it was also a story of hope, resilience, and second chances. After a tumultuous stretch with the Baltimore Ravens marked by repeated injuries and tough setbacks, Dobbins signed with the Broncos in what was meant to be a fresh start. A new scheme, a new quarterback in Bo Nix, and a new coaching environment under Sean Payton seemed like the ideal ingredients for a breakout season.
But the NFL rarely follows the script of redemption stories so neatly. As much as Dobbins was seen as a potential game-changer when healthy, availability remains the big question mark. A devastating ACL tear in 2021 cost him an entire season, and just when he seemed to be turning the corner, he suffered another serious injury in the 2023 opener—a torn Achilles. For a position so reliant on burst, fluid movement, and confidence in one’s body, back-to-back major injuries could have spelled the end. Many would have packed it in. Dobbins, however, is not wired that way.
“I don’t know how to give up,” Dobbins said recently, his eyes filled with defiance and purpose. “You’ve got two choices when things get hard—run from it, or fight like hell. I’ve always been a fighter. This chapter isn’t over.”
For Dobbins, this chapter in Denver is about more than just getting carries. It’s about proving he still belongs. It’s about reminding people who he was at Ohio State—an explosive, do-it-all back who once rushed for over 2,000 yards in a single season and looked destined for stardom in the NFL. It’s about silencing the whispers that his body can’t hold up and showing the world that his spirit never broke.
What complicates matters is that the Broncos are no longer a team willing to wait for players to figure it out. Sean Payton, brought in to restore structure and pride to a franchise that has struggled for relevance in recent years, has made it clear that performance will drive decisions. Rookie quarterback Bo Nix, the 12th overall pick in this year’s NFL Draft, is already being groomed as the centerpiece of Denver’s offense. Surrounding him with dynamic talent that can grow alongside him is part of the plan—and if RJ Harvey offers the freshest, most explosive option in the backfield, Payton isn’t afraid to ride the hot hand.
Still, there’s an element of strategic patience with Dobbins. The Broncos didn’t hand him over $5 million guaranteed out of charity. They believe he can contribute meaningfully—if not right away, then when his legs are fully under him. The plan, insiders say, might involve easing him into the rotation early in the season, preserving his health for a possible late-season surge when wear and tear begin to affect younger legs. In the meantime, Harvey’s rise allows Denver to keep Dobbins fresh and off a heavy early-down workload.
Kosminder noted that Dobbins has been “methodical” in his approach to rehab and reintegration into full-speed practices. While he may not have the same top gear he once did—at least not yet—his football IQ, patience behind the line, and pass protection skills remain valuable assets. And in an offense expected to lean on short-yardage efficiency and timely screen passes to support its rookie quarterback, those attributes matter.
Yet, no matter how logical the platoon approach may be, Dobbins is a competitor through and through. He wants the ball. He wants the spotlight. And he wants the opportunity to carry a franchise again. The idea of taking a backseat to a rookie—regardless of Harvey’s talent—isn’t one he takes lightly, even if he handles it with maturity.
“I’m not going to sit here and pretend it doesn’t light a fire in me,” Dobbins said. “Of course it does. I’m here to win. And I believe that I can still be one of the best backs in this league. But I’m also not blind—I see the talent RJ has. He’s special. Iron sharpens iron, and I think we can be something dangerous together.”
That’s the potential silver lining in this development for Denver. Instead of a one-back show, they could have a thunder-and-lightning duo, or perhaps two players who can each play all three downs depending on the situation. Dobbins and Harvey bring contrasting styles—Dobbins more compact, powerful, and experienced; Harvey more explosive, unpredictable, and raw. Together, they could form one of the more versatile backfields in the league, especially as Bo Nix adjusts to NFL speed and relies on his backs as safety valves and playmakers.
Bo Nix himself has been vocal in his appreciation for both players. “Having JK back there is a huge comfort,” Nix told reporters after minicamp. “He’s been around, he knows protections, and he’s talking to me between reps. That kind of leadership is huge. And RJ? Man, he’s electric. We’ve got some weapons.”
For a young quarterback trying to find his rhythm, having multiple capable backs may be the key to early success. It also provides insurance in a grueling 17-game season. Injuries are inevitable, and depth is no longer a luxury in today’s NFL—it’s a requirement. With Dobbins and Harvey in the fold, the Broncos have two very different, very capable backs to rotate, deploy situationally, or ride as needed.
What’s clear is that Dobbins isn’t looking for pity. He doesn’t want the narrative to be about his injuries, his contract, or the fact that he isn’t the Day 1 starter. He wants it to be about what he’s going to do when the opportunity presents itself.
“I’ve been through hell,” he said. “And I’m still standing. I think that says something. I’ve been overlooked before. I’ve been doubted before. But when the lights come on, that’s when I do my best work. So people can say whatever they want now. I know what I bring to the table. And when my number’s called, they’ll remember.”
As training camp approaches, all eyes will be on the Broncos’ backfield. Will RJ Harvey continue his meteoric rise and take the starting job outright? Will Dobbins force his way into a major role by the sheer force of will, experience, and eventual health? Or will Denver unlock something even more dangerous by deploying both backs strategically, giving Nix the kind of ground game that keeps defenses guessing?
What’s certain is this: J.K. Dobbins isn’t going away quietly. He’s fought through more adversity than most players face in a decade, and his drive is undiminished. Whether he’s RB1, RB2, or something in between, he remains a critical part of Denver’s 2025 puzzle.
Sometimes the most powerful comebacks aren’t instant—they’re gradual, forged day by day in the weight room, in the film room, and in the quiet belief that you still have something to prove.
