Broncos leader JK Dobbins (foot) knocked out against Chiefs

ENGLEWOOD, Colo. – The Denver Broncos will be without leader JK Dobbins and two other starters for Sunday’s highly anticipated AFC West showdown against the Kansas City Chiefs.

Dobbins, who did not practice all week, was formally ruled out Friday, as were linebacker Alex Singleton — the team’s leading tackler — and reigning Defensive Player of the Year Pat Surtain II.

Singleton underwent surgery Monday to remove a cancerous tumor from one of his testicles and could miss several weeks. Surtain will miss his third game with a pectoral injury.

Dobbins, who leads Denver in rushing with 772 rushing yards while averaging 5.0 yards per carry, injured his foot last week against the Raiders. On Wednesday, coach Sean Payton said the team had discussed placing Dobbins on injured reserve but “nothing had been decided.”

The Broncos have kept Dobbins on the active roster over the past week, but he is expected to miss several games.

Dobbins’ absence puts rookie RJ Harvey, a second-round pick by Denver, in the lead role. In 10 games, Harvey has 50 carries for 214 yards, plus 25 receptions. He also has the team’s longest run this season – 50 yards against the Tennessee Titans in Week 1.

“I’m really excited to show off my racing abilities… [but] Whatever coach wants me to do, I’m ready to do,” Harvey said Friday. “It’s going to be fun on Sunday.”

The Broncos will likely also have Jaleel McLaughlin and Tyler Badie in the rotation. Badie has played in some personnel groups when Denver has a quick look, as well as in some long-yardage situations.

McLaughlin, who has topped 400 rushing yards in each of the last two seasons after making the team as an undrafted rookie in 2023, had one carry this season, in Week 6 against the New York Jets.

“[McLaughlin] is ready,” Payton said Friday. “It would be difficult to play for two seasons and then be inactive. He’s one of those guys. He is the first in the building. …He will cross the [practice] script, then get to work and have breakfast when people have just arrived.

The Broncos’ injury report for Sunday is more comprehensive than it has been for most of the season. Outside linebacker Jonah Elliss (hamstring), who is a rotational passer for the defense, and tight end Nate Adkins (knee) were also ruled out.

The team received some good news on the injury front as wide receiver Marvin Mims Jr. practiced all week and is expected to play against Kansas City after missing two games with a concussion.