ENGLEWOOD — Running back J.K. Dobbins took to the field Wednesday and so did center Luke Wattenberg.

Dobbins, out since suffering a left foot injury Nov. 6 against Las Vegas, was designated for return from injured reserve Monday after being out for eight games and 10 weeks and he was limited in Wednesday’s workout. Wattenberg, who suffered a shoulder injury Dec. 21 against Jacksonville, was designated for return from injured reserve Wednesday after being out for three games and four weeks and was a full participant in practice.

“I feel like (Dobbins is) going to bring something, a different dynamic,” said Broncos wide receiver Lil’Jordan Humphrey, hopeful the running back will play in Sunday’s AFC Championship Game against New England at Empower Field at Mile High. “I’m definitely fired up.”

All players on Denver’s 53-man roster practiced Wednesday. That included wide receivers Pat Bryant, Troy Franklin and center Alex Forsyth, who were all hurt in Saturday’s 33-30 overtime win over Buffalo in a divisional-playoff game. All three were listed as limited in the workout.

Bryant was lost for the game in the first quarter with a concussion, the second one he had suffered in a month. He suffered a concussion in the game against the Jaguars and sat out Dec. 25 at Kansas City.

Franklin was lost in the second quarter with a hamstring injury. Forsyth went to the bench late in regulation with an ankle injury.

Wattenberg is in line to return to the starting lineup Sunday. With Wattenberg sitting out the final two regular-season games and the playoff game against Buffalo, Forsyth replaced him in the lineup. When Forsyth was hurt against the Bills, Sam Mustipher took over for the rest of the game.

Dobbins returned to practice after suffering ligament damage in the Nov. 6 game and having surgery before being placed on injured reserve Nov. 15. He greeted teammates and coaches warmly on the practice field, and he was fluid in going through drills during the portion of practice open to the media.

Broncos coach Sean Payton declined to discuss anything related to Dobbins. Backup quarterback Sam Ehlinger is hopeful Dobbins will be able to play Sunday.

“That would definitely be a great boost,” Ehlinger said. “Obviously, a great runner. So that would definitely help our offense.”

Ehlinger said Dobbins was impressive in his return to practice.

“He looked great,” Ehlinger said. “I think our training staff has done a great job of getting him prepared. Obviously, quick turnaround. He’s in shape, ready to roll, so hopefully we can have him on Sunday.”

Two players signed to the practice squad earlier this week joined the team for practice in quarterback Ben DiNucci and wide receiver Brandon Johnson. DiNucci was signed after starting quarterback Bo Nix suffered a broken right ankle against the Bills, ending his season and making backup Jarrett Stidham the starter against the Patriots. DiNucci, who was on Denver’s practice squad in 2023, wore No. 5 after practice squad running back Cody Schrader switched from No. 5 to 25.

Johnson, who played with the Broncos from 2022-23, returned to provide depth due to Denver’s receivers being injured against the Bills. Johnson was waived by the Broncos after the preseason in 2023 before spending 2024 on Pittsburgh’s practice squad and 2025 on practice squads for Tampa Bay and the Steelers. He said he wasn’t offered a futures deal after Pittsburgh’s season ended in the playoffs Jan. 12.

“It’s cool being back, man,” Johnson said. “It felt like I came back home, so I’m just excited to be here and be part of a great playoff run.”

Johnson got the call to sign with the Broncos on Monday night and said he “didn’t hear too much about the reason” he was wanted. He said he already had his bag packed from finishing the season with Pittsburgh and soon headed to the airport.

Also practicing for the Broncos were linebacker Drew Sanders and tight end Lucas Krull, who were both recently designated for return from injured reserve after both had foot surgery. It remains to be seen if either could be activated to face the Patriots.