The Denver Broncos will face the Kansas City Chiefs without a running back who delivered one of their biggest plays last week.
Denver ruled RJ Harvey out for Sunday’s game with a knee injury, confirming his absence after he missed practice Friday. The second-year back had appeared on Thursday’s injury report as a limited participant.
What began as a new injury concern Thursday is now a confirmed loss for an offense preparing for an AFC West matchup. Harvey scored on a 52-yard reception in Denver’s 30-16 win over the Arizona Cardinals on October 25.
Earlier Friday, DNVR Sports reporter Zac Stevens reported that coach Sean Payton did not comment on Harvey’s status. The Broncos’ final injury report subsequently supplied the answer: Harvey will not play.
Broncos Rule RJ Harvey Out With Knee Injury
Harvey’s practice participation changed quickly during the week.
He was not listed on Wednesday’s injury report, was limited Thursday with a knee issue and did not participate Friday. Denver then ruled him out for the Chiefs game.
The designation settles his availability for Sunday. It does not establish a longer recovery timeline or provide a specific diagnosis beyond the knee injury listed by the team.
Harvey’s absence removes a receiving option for quarterback Bo Nix, even as Denver has divided rushing opportunities among multiple backs.
According to his official team statistics, Harvey has caught 25 passes for 217 yards and a touchdown through six appearances this season. He has added 87 rushing yards and one touchdown on 24 carries.
His performance against Arizona illustrated the difference between those contributions. Harvey gained six yards on three carries but caught two passes for 54 yards, including the 52-yard touchdown on a screen pass.
Replacing him requires more than redistributing a handful of rushing attempts. Denver also loses a back who turned a short throw into a touchdown in its most recent game.
J.K. Dobbins and Jonah Coleman Face Bigger Opportunity
Payton discussed Denver’s backfield Friday without detailing Harvey’s condition.
According to Stevens, Payton said the Broncos use a hot-hand approach at times. Stevens also reported that Payton pointed to analytics when discussing J.K. Dobbins’ burst and speed and described the running back room as deep.
That depth now faces another test, with Dobbins and rookie Jonah Coleman positioned to absorb additional work.
Coleman returned against Arizona after missing four games with an ankle injury. He rushed nine times for 54 yards and added two catches for 15 yards, giving Denver 69 scrimmage yards in his first game back.
Payton had already called for more opportunities for the rookie before Harvey’s knee issue appeared on the injury report.
“He looked really good. Got to get him more touches,” Payton said after the Arizona game, according to the Broncos’ official coverage.
Dobbins contributed six carries for 23 yards and a touchdown in that win. Coleman’s two receptions also showed he can contribute beyond the rushing rotation, although Denver has not announced how it will divide Harvey’s assignments.
The Broncos finished the Arizona game with production from all three backs. Against Kansas City, Payton will have to find the right combination without Harvey.
Denver Broncos Get Bad RJ Harvey News Before Chiefs Game