Evans notes that Dobbins returning
to the Broncos was far from a sure thing. The team was looking at other backs, and Dobbins had an agreement with the Jaguars “essentially done” before he hammered out a two-year deal to re-sign with the Broncos.
Dobbins’ return to Denver was far from a sure thing, though. As both the Broncos and Dobbins explored their options when free agency opened on the morning of March 9, Dobbins had a potential agreement lined up with fellow AFC contender Jacksonville that was essentially “done,” according to a source with knowledge of the process. Instead, Denver and Dobbins turned back to the well and hammered out a two-year deal with $8 million fully guaranteed.
If we remember, the Broncos were in the running back market this offseason and reportedly had their eyes set on former Jaguars running back Travis Etienne Jr., who was the top back on their wishlist. However, the veteran back surprisingly signed with the New Orleans Saints, his home team, and the Broncos decided to re-sign Dobbins instead. If the Broncos did indeed sign Etienne, it sounds like they would have swapped starting running backs with the Jags, which would have been an interesting development in their sudden rivalry.
Instead, Dobbins is a member of the Broncos and is joined in the backfield with second-year back RJ Harvey and rookie Jonah Coleman. Speaking of Harvey, Evans notes that the Broncos’ explosive second-year back suffered a torn labrum during their AFC Championship loss to the Patriots and underwent surgery to repair it this offseason. He hasn’t done much in practice due to this injury, but has been out there, and it sounds like he will be good to go for the start of training camp.
Quietly, Harvey suffered a torn labrum in his shoulder in the Broncos’ season-ending championship-game loss to New England and had surgery to repair it in the offseason, multiple sources with knowledge of the injury told The Post. Harvey hasn’t done much team work in OTAs but has been practicing with the Broncos.
The Broncos running game was a strength of this team until Dobbins went down with a foot injury during their Thursday Night victory over the Las Vegas Raiders. After that, the Broncos struggled to do much of anything on the ground, which affected them in the second half of the season and into the playoffs. Now, with Dobbins back, Harvey in year two, and the addition of rookie Jonah Coleman, the Broncos will look to get back to running the ball effectively this season.
Having a strong run game will only make life easier for quarterback Bo Nix and open up play action, hopefully allowing him to find newly acquired wide receiver Jaylen Waddle for some big plays.
