Broncos run game could get big boost for AFC Championship Game against Patriots

The Denver Broncos' offense took a major blow ahead of the AFC Championship Game, when quarterback Bo Nix was ruled out for the season with a fractured ankle. In a bit of silver lining though, another key offensive player who was expected to be out for the season could return for the game in running back J.K. Dobbins.

On Monday ESPN's Adam Schefter reported the Broncos are opening the practice window for Dobbins to return from IR. Dobbins has been out since early November, when he was placed on IR with what expected to be a season-ending Lisfranc injury in his foot. Schefter noted that there is "a chance" for Dobbins to play on Sunday against the New England Patriots.

Dobbins, 27, was the lead back for one of the better rushing attacks in the NFL over the first 10 weeks of the season. He carried the ball 153 times for 772 yards - both marks that still lead the team. Behind a strong offensive line the Broncos' averaged 4.8 yards per carry as a team over those 10 games, which ranked tied for seventh in the NFL.

Since Dobbins went out the Broncos have mainly leaned on RJ Harvey at running back with Jaleel McLaughlin rotating in. In those games from Week 11 to the end of the regular season the Broncos have averaged just 4.0 yards per carry, tied for 21st in the NFL. They then managed just 70 yards on 22 carries against a week Buffalo Bills run defense in the Divisional Round.

If Dobbins is back and healthy for Sunday's game, he'll be a challenge for a Patriots' run defense that has looked improved since the start of the playoffs. That unit struggled down the stretch but the return of players like Milton Williams, Robert Spillane, and Khyiris Tonga from injury have provided a major boost. In their two playoff games they've allowed 3.1 yards per carry and a total of 135 yards on 44 carries.