J.K. Dobbins says 23% snap share is part of a health plan

The Denver Broncos are entering their final stretch of the regular season with a running back rotation that has shifted sharply toward their rookie. J.K. Dobbins, who has been the team's featured back in previous years, is now arguing that his reduced workload is a strategic move to preserve his health rather than a loss of status to Jonah Coleman.

Dobbins played in a record-low 23% of offensive snaps during the Broncos' 30-16 victory over the Arizona Cardinals on Sunday. That figure marks the lowest share of a game in his 54-game NFL career. Coleman, a fourth-round pick who returned from injured reserve, handled 49% of the offensive snaps. He rushed for 31 yards in the fourth quarter alone, while Dobbins did not touch the ball after the third quarter.

The veteran backs his position on the depth chart with a specific medical rationale. Dobbins has not played more than 13 games in a season since his rookie year due to various injuries. He told reporters on Thursday that the coaching staff is prioritizing his longevity to ensure he is ready for the postseason. "It's a long season and I'm feeling great," Dobbins said. "The coaches are doing everything to keep me healthy. And when I'm healthy, I think I'm dangerous."

The statistical contrast between the two players is stark on the surface. Dobbins is averaging a career-low 3.4 yards per carry this season, while Coleman is averaging 4.9 on far fewer attempts. Despite missing four games with an ankle sprain, Coleman has matched Dobbins with five runs of 10 or more yards. Dobbins attributes his lower efficiency to the quality of the defenses he has faced, noting that he played against strong defensive units in his first six games. "I just played six great defenses, all in a row," he said. "You think they're just going to let me run it up their tails? No."

Head coach Sean Payton and offensive coordinator Davis Webb have signaled that the workload will remain fluid. Payton said after the win that the Broncos need to give Coleman more touches because his play has been explosive. Webb added that the decision-making is week to week, noting that Coleman got hot late in the game against Arizona. "We've had plenty of conversations how we're going to handle that this week and we'll see how Sunday unfolds," Webb said.

Dobbins remains unconcerned about his role as long as the team wins. He acknowledged that Coleman's increased usage came when Denver held a substantial lead. "We were up pretty good, correct?" Dobbins asked. "So could you take that into account before you start saying stuff like that? Because the coaches have a plan. This organization has a plan for me." He added that he would only be frustrated if the team were losing and he was still not getting the ball.

The situation highlights a common tension in the NFL between veteran star power and the emergence of young talent. Last year, Dobbins averaged 50.8% of offensive snaps before a Lisfranc injury ended his season in Week 10. This year, his average share was 43.6% through the first six games before dropping to 23% against Arizona. Dobbins said his GPS metrics indicate he is as physically capable as in recent years. "I'm still the same player," he said. "I'm not old. I'm 27, right? And I'll play most of the year at 27."

The Broncos will look at the tape and the upcoming schedule to determine if the rotation stabilizes or continues to favor Coleman. Dobbins said he is willing to play any role, including behind Coleman or even other backs on the roster, provided the team continues to win. "Whether it's RJ being in there, Jonah being in there, me being in there.. it don't matter," he said. "As long as we win the game, that's what I care about."