— The Denver Broncos and New England Patriots released their gameday inactive lists ahead of the AFC Championship Game. Denver saw center Luke Wattenberg activated from the roster while several offensive contributors remained unavailable, including J.K. Dobbins who was not activated off IR. New elevations at receiver and a confirmed active return for rotational lineman Que Robinson shaped Denver’s game-day personnel. Both teams entered the game with line-up adjustments that could affect quarterback protection and special-teams depth.
Key Takeaways
- Luke Wattenberg was activated for Denver, a key interior-line addition aimed at improving protection for Jarrett Stidham.
- J.K. Dobbins remained on injured reserve and was not activated for the AFC Championship Game.
- Broncos inactive list included Alex Forsyth (C) and wide receiver Troy Franklin, who missed time with a hamstring concern.
- Denver elevated Elijah Moore and Michael Bandy from the practice squad; Moore was promoted to the active roster for gameday.
- Que Robinson was listed active, giving Denver additional options on special teams and defensive-line rotation.
- New England’s gameday inactives included multiple position players, with Tommy DeVito listed among the inactive quarterbacks.
- Depth decisions at center and receiver were decisive factors in both teams’ final gameday rosters.
Background
Entering the AFC Championship, both clubs weighed short-term game availability against longer-term roster management. The Broncos had already navigated a midseason quarterback change and the loss of Bo Nix earlier in the postseason window, placing premium value on interior line stability and pass protection. Centers and backup offensive linemen often determine whether a game plan can be executed as designed, especially when a team is relying on pocket time for a squad’s starting or backup quarterback.
New England has routinely prioritized versatility on its gameday roster, balancing offensive-skill depth with defensive and special-teams contributors. In high-stakes playoff games, coaches frequently make conservative calls on soft-tissue injuries — hamstrings and similar injuries often lead to single-game inactivity if there is any doubt. Elevating practice-squad receivers like Elijah Moore and Michael Bandy reflects that practical approach: preserving health while keeping emergency options available.
Main Event
On the day of the AFC Championship Game, Denver confirmed Luke Wattenberg’s activation — a move aimed directly at shoring up the center position. Wattenberg’s availability reduced pressure on Jarrett Stidham’s immediate blind-side and interior pocket situations, a tactical priority after earlier offensive struggles. Conversely, J.K. Dobbins did not come off injured reserve, leaving Denver with a lighter running-back rotation than they had hoped for coming into the postseason.
Alex Forsyth, listed as questionable during the week, was ultimately inactive, and Sam Mustipher was designated as the backup center on the active roster. That shuffle made the center-to-guard communication on Denver’s front five a focal point during pregame preparations, particularly in short-yardage and blitz-heavy scenarios that New England tends to employ.
Wide receiver Troy Franklin’s hamstring issue kept him off the active roster, prompting Denver to rely on elevated receivers and existing starters to fill his expected snaps. The club elevated Elijah Moore and Michael Bandy from the practice squad earlier in the week; Moore was moved to the active roster for the game to provide immediate depth. Que Robinson, who had appeared on earlier inactives lists, was active and available for special-teams work and snap rotation along the defensive front.
Analysis & Implications
Wattenberg’s activation is significant defensively and strategically: a reliable center helps both run-blocking cohesion and pass-protection calls, which is crucial when a team is protecting a quarterback who has not been the regular starter all season. If Denver’s interior line can prevent immediate penetration, it increases Stidham’s window to find timing routes and reduces pressure-driven turnovers.
The absence of J.K. Dobbins reduces Denver’s options to establish a ground game, shifting more responsibility onto the offensive line and passing game to move the chains. That change can make the Broncos more predictable on early downs, inviting New England to deploy heavier defensive fronts and mix blitz packages in obvious passing situations.
Troy Franklin’s hamstring issue underscores a broader theme: soft-tissue injuries are often handled conservatively in single-elimination postseason play. Elevations of practice-squad receivers indicate the team prioritized roster flexibility; Moore’s promotion signals the coaching staff’s trust in a quick integrator rather than risking the starter returning at less than full strength.
For New England, the mix of inactives alters depth charts on both sides of the ball and emphasizes situational matchups. If the Patriots are missing rotational linemen or back-line defensive pieces, that could press them into shorter substitution patterns and affect late-game stamina and matchups. Coaches in both camps will need to account for these constraints in fourth-quarter personnel packages.
Comparison & Data
| Team | Player (Position) |
|---|---|
| Denver Broncos | JL Skinner (S) |
| Denver Broncos | Alex Forsyth (C) |
| Denver Broncos | Troy Franklin (WR) |
| Denver Broncos | Michael Bandy (WR) |
| Denver Broncos | Karene Reid (ILB) |
| Denver Broncos | Jordan Jackson (DL) |
| Denver Broncos | Sai’vion Jones (DE) |
| New England Patriots | Harold Landry (OLB) |
| New England Patriots | Kobee Minor (CB) |
| New England Patriots | Marcus Bryant (OT) |
| New England Patriots | Caedan Wallace (OG) |
| New England Patriots | C.J. Dippre (TE) |
| New England Patriots | Efton Chism (WR) |
| New England Patriots | Tommy DeVito (QB) |
The table above lists each team’s confirmed gameday inactives as published in the teams’ pregame reports. The Broncos’ list emphasizes secondary and depth-line absences, while the Patriots’ list — as reported — includes multiple offensive and defensive backups. These rosters shape substitution patterns and special-teams units entering the kickoff.
Reactions & Quotes
Luke Wattenberg was activated for the game and will be available to play center.
Broncos gameday report (team release)
J.K. Dobbins remained on injured reserve and was not activated for today’s matchup.
Broncos gameday report (team release)
Elevations at receiver were used to mitigate Troy Franklin’s hamstring absence and preserve depth for special teams.
Mile High Report gameday coverage (media)
Unconfirmed
- Exact recovery timeline for Troy Franklin’s hamstring was not disclosed; long-term prognosis remains unspecified.
- Specific medical details behind J.K. Dobbins’ continued IR designation were not published in the gameday report.
- Any behind-the-scenes practice limitations for elevated receivers Elijah Moore and Michael Bandy were not fully detailed in the available report.
Bottom Line
Denver’s activation of Luke Wattenberg and the decision to keep certain role players inactive reflect a roster calculus focused on protecting the quarterback and preserving flexibility on special teams. The absence of J.K. Dobbins and Troy Franklin narrows Denver’s options and could force the offense into more predictable passing sequences if the running game cannot be established early.
New England’s inactive list also shapes late-game matchup decisions, but both teams entered the AFC Championship with clear contingency plans: elevated practice-squad players and shuffled interior-line depth. The teams’ inactives underscore that coaching decisions and depth management are as pivotal as in-game play-calling in single-elimination postseason scenarios.