The Denver Broncos‘ tight 10-7 Week 10 win over the Las Vegas Raiders came with absolutely devastating consequences. The Raiders took another loss, whereas the Broncos incurred a far worse hit: an injury to running back J.K. Dobbins, followed by a troubling update from one of the NFL’s top medical experts.

NFL medical analyst Dr. Jesse Morse, M.D., provided a detailed breakdown of Dobbins’ injury on X. According to Morse, Dobbins suffered what is “likely a Grade 3 Lisfranc fracture,” describing it as a complete disruption of the ligament structure.

He pointed out X-rays showing “significant separation” between the first and second metatarsals. Morse also highlighted that it’s the same injury that ended Travis Etienne’s rookie season. The doctor concluded that Dobbins’ 2025 season is, without question, over, projecting the Denver running back won’t be ready for game action until Week 1 of 2026.

The NFL injury expert also highlighted just how cruel this setback is for Dobbins. He called it “awful luck” for a player who has already endured three of the most catastrophic lower-leg injuries an NFL athlete can face: an ACL tear, an Achilles tear, and now a Lisfranc fracture.  Morse emphasized just how difficult those will be to overcome in totality, though he did note long-term data is encouraging once complete.

The loss of Dobbins is particularly devastating given that he had been the driving force of Denver’s offense, ranking among the top five in rushing yards. Per team and league reports, Dobbins, on a one-year deal, had not practiced since the injury as he sought additional opinions. Coach Sean Payton said a move to injured reserve was increasingly likely as the organization gathered information.

He ran for 772 yards on 5.05 yards per carry, including 21 runs of 10 or more yards, fifth most in the league. Sources told ESPN’s Adam Schefter that if Denver were to advance to the Super Bowl on Feb. 8, there’s an outside chance Dobbins could be medically cleared by then, though that scenario remains remote.

Still, Dobbins made it clear after the win over the Raiders that he believes in the team’s potential, saying the Broncos owe it to the fan base to improve offensively and eliminate mistakes before they “bite us in the b–t.” His absence now puts a massive spotlight on rookie RJ Harvey, the second-round pick with 50 carries for 214 yards and the team’s longest run of the season, a 50-yarder in Week 1.

Raiders defender escapes the NFL punishment

Fueling the controversy surrounding Dobbins’ injury was the league’s response, or lack of response, to the play that caused it.

As relayed by Tom Pelissero on X, “The NFL did not fine Raiders OLB Tyree Wilson for the tackle that injured J. K. Dobbins, determining it was not an illegal hip drop.”

The ruling was a shock to many observers since Wilson’s tackle seemed to fit the league’s recently highlighted definition of an illegal hip-drop, a move the NFL has taken aggressive measures to eradicate because of its very high rate of catastrophic injuries. Dobbins’ injury came on a play in which Raiders defensive end Tyree Wilson wrapped and swung his weight onto the back of Dobbins’ legs. It was immediately classified as a textbook hip-drop.

But despite the uproar, Denver must forge on. The Broncos welcome the Kansas City Chiefs to town in Week 11. Denver will turn heavily to RJ Harvey and the remaining rotation in the backfield as they look to keep their playoff trajectory going. But the sting of losing their offensive centerpiece, and the frustration that the tackle that did it wasn’t penalized, lingered over a team forced to adapt in a hurry in pursuit of championship aspirations.