Running back J.K. Dobbins was heading toward the best season of his NFL career and was talking openly about wanting to have a long-term future with the Broncos.

But now his season is likely over.

The Broncos (8-2) on Saturday placed Dobbins on injured reserve, and he will have surgery on the left foot he hurt on Nov. 6 against Las Vegas. Dobbins must miss at least four games, but a source said the only possibility of a return this season would be if Denver advances deep in the playoffs.

Entering Sunday’s big game against Kansas City (5-4) at Empower Field at Mile High, the Broncos made several other roster moves.

The Broncos waived wide receiver Trent Sherfield, who became expendable after Denver on Wednesday plucked receiver Lil’Jordan Humphrey off the New York Giants’ practice squad. To replace Dobbins and Sherfield on the 53-man roster, they activated inside linebacker Garret Wallow off injured reserve and signed cornerback Reese Taylor off the practice squad.

The Broncos also elevated inside linebacker Jordan Taylor and tight end Marcedes Lewis from the practice squad to face the Chiefs.

Dobbins, in his sixth year, ranks fifth in the NFL in rushing with 772 yards and was on track to top his season best of 905 yards rushing set last season with the Los Angeles Chargers. For Sunday’s game, Dobbins will be replaced in the lineup by rookie RJ Harvey.

The Denver Gazette first reported Tuesday that Dobbins was a candidate for injured reserve. He did not practice all week and was officially ruled out Friday for Sunday’s game.

Dobbins, 26, sustained ligament damage in his foot in the third quarter of the 10-7 win over the Raiders when he was tackled by defensive lineman Tyree Wilson. Dobbins alleged it was an illegal hip-drop tackle; however, Wilson wasn’t penalized or fined by the NFL for the play.

“For those who will count me out again, thank you,” Dobbins, who has battled injuries throughout his career, wrote on social media. “For those who are with me on this ride, stick with me! You will love what God has planned next.”

After being a second-round pick by Baltimore out of Ohio State in 2020 and having 805 yards as a rookie, Dobbins played in just nine Ravens games over the next three seasons due to a torn ACL and a torn Achilles tendon.

Dobbins bounced back to have a solid season in 2024 with the Chargers, but still missed four games with a sprained knee. He signed a one-year, $2.065 million contract with the Broncos last March.

After a hot start for the Broncos, Dobbins was talking openly late last month about wanting to remain with Denver past this season.

“I hope to end my career here and be here for the rest of the time in the NFL,” he said.

Broncos players were disappointed when it became apparent during the past week that Dobbins would miss time with his injury.

“It is unfortunate to have a guy like J.K. (injured), that’s been such an influential person on our offense,’’ guard Quinn Meinerz told The Denver Gazette. “Just as a person, he’s a really good dude and I enjoyed getting to know him and stuff. Now, it’s RJ’s turn.”

Harvey, who has 50 carries for 214 yards rushing this season, will have his workload increased greatly. He has had one game this season with more than seven carries, and that was 14. The Broncos also have Tyler Badie and Jaleel McLaughlin available at running back, with McLaughlin a strong candidate to get a good number of carries after he was inactive for nine of the first 10 games.

In addition to Dobbins, the Broncos on Friday ruled out for Sunday’s game star cornerback Pat Surtain II (pectoral), inside linebacker Alex Singleton (surgery for testicular cancer), outside linebacker Jonah Elliss (hamstring) and tight end Nate Adkins (knee).

The promotion of Taylor provides depth at cornerback with Surtain out for a third straight game. Taylor, who was elevated off the practice squad to face the Raiders, is also adept on special teams, which helps fill the void caused by the departure of Sherfield.

The return of Wallow and the elevation of Turner will provide depth at inside linebacker with Singleton out, and with rookie Karene Reid having been placed Tuesday on injured reserve. Wallow, who was designated for return from injured reserve last Wednesday, is back after missing four games with a hamstring injury.

With Adkins missing his third straight game, Lewis, 41, was elevated for the third time in a row. He is now out of elevations and would need to be signed to the 53-man roster to play again this season for Denver.

On Saturday, the big news for the Broncos was Dobbins being shelved. It remains to be seen now if he will play another game for Denver.