After losing running back J.K. Dobbins to a foot injury, the Denver Broncos still have three healthy running backs on the active roster, and all three figure to have a role while Dobbins is sidelined.
The new starter, however, is an obvious choice.
Denver just used a second-round pick to select UCF’s RJ Harvey in this year’s NFL draft, and he’s impressed in a rotational role behind Dobbins this season. Harvey has rushed 50 times for 214 yards and two touchdowns while adding 25 receptions for 175 yards and four scores as a receiver out of the backfield.
“Obviously, he’ll have more opportunities here in this game,” Broncos coach Sean Payton said of Harvey after Wednesday’s practice. “He’s built to last, and that’s important.”
Harvey (5-8, 205 pounds) is the obvious choice to serve as the RB1 while Dobbins is sidelined, but that doesn’t necessarily mean he’ll be a workhorse. Payton has rotated two running backs throughout his career, and Jaleel McLaughlin figures to be a strong candidate to rotate in, and Tyler Badie’s a candidate to get work in passing situations.
So Harvey won’t be an every-down back for the Broncos, but he will get “more opportunities” while Dobbins is sidelined. Through the first ten games of the season, Dobbins averaged 16.4 touches per game and Harvey averaged 7.5 touches per game. The rookie may now be poised to get 15-plus touches going forward.
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