Who Should I Start? Jerick McKinnon or J.K. Dobbins

Wednesday, January 10, 12:32 PM

Kansas City Chiefs running back Jerick McKinnon (hernia, pelvis) was on crutches on Tuesday in his first day back at the team's facility following sports-hernia surgery on Jan. 2, which was performed by Dr. Williams Meyers. In addition to a sports hernia, McKinnon fractured his pelvis. It all means that McKinnon is doubtful to return for the postseason, even if the Chiefs make another run to the Super Bowl this year. The 31-year-old is eligible for free agency in March but has expressed interest in returning to Kansas City. McKinnon missed the final three games of the regular season and finished 2023 with just 21 carries for 60 yards and one touchdown while adding 25 receptions for 192 yards and four touchdowns through the air in 12 games played. Clyde Edwards-Helaire will have a bigger role as the No. 2 in KC's backfield behind Isiah Pacheco now that McKinnon is out.

Friday, January 9, 1:23 PM

Denver Broncos running back J.K. Dobbins (foot), who landed on Injured Reserve in mid-November after having surgery to fix a Lisfranc foot injury, could be an option to return to the team if they advance to the Super Bowl on Feb. 8, according to Nick Kosmider of The Athletic. Dobbins was well on his way to a career year in 2025 in his first year in Denver before the injury, as he had 772 rushing yards and four touchdowns on 153 carries over 10 games. He was fifth in the league in rushing at the time of his Week 10 injury, and the Broncos ranked eighth in yards per carry from RBs (4.8) and 10th in RB yards per game (101.2). Denver has gone 6-1 without Dobbins, but they averaged only 3.8 yards per carry in the final seven games, ranking 23rd in the NFL. Their 79.1 RB yards per game ranked 24th. Getting Dobbins back for a potential Super Bowl matchup would be huge for Denver's offense, but a lot has to go right still for that to be on the table for Dobbins and the Broncos.