The Denver Broncos had high hopes for rookie second-round draft pick and running back RJ Harvey, but it has been tough sledding so far.
That is not just due to Harvey’s lack of production, but also opportunity. Tuture looks could be difficult to come by unless Harvey forces it, and he can do that by showing well in practice and in the snaps he does receive.
The good news is, Harvey is determined to do just that.
RJ Harvey Looking to Prove Worthy of Playing Time
GettyTarheeb Still #29 of the Los Angeles Chargers tackles RJ Harvey #12 of the Denver Broncos.
Harvey, the No. 60 overall pick of the 2025 draft, has rushed for 80 yards on 13 carries for the Broncos, adding another 29 yards on five receptions in six looks. He has played in all three games so far, and he even drew a start in Week 3 against the Los Angeles Chargers.
Still, Harvey has received a 30% snap share, per Pro Football Reference, below the 50-50 or even 60-40 split that was expected out of the backfield this season.
“I’m good, mentally,” Harvey said, per The Denver Post’s Luca Evans on September 28. “It’s just – eventually, everything gon’ happen. I’m not too down on myself, I’m not too high on myself. Just continuing to learn the offense. Learn what it’s about, I still gotta learn. It’s a lot to the process.
“Eventually, everything gotta settle in, settle down.”
Evans noted that “the key” for Harvey seeing the field more, particularly on third downs, is pass protection. The rookie has the confidence of the coaching staff in those situations, but it has yet to be reflected in his playing time.
Unfortunately for Harvey, Broncos veteran free agent addition J.K. Dobbins has proven quite effective as the Broncos’ lead back.
Still, Harvey’s lack of usage has been part of a larger issue for the Broncos.
Broncos Facing ‘Joker’ Issues
GettyDenver Broncos head coach Sean Payton looks on during the game against the Indianapolis Colts.
Dobbins’ effectiveness may be limiting Harvey. Still, the Broncos face similar questions about their usage of veterans on their roster, namely Pro Bowl tight end Evan Engram.
“His inconsistent usage is evidence of a troubling trend in Denver. In June, tight end Evan Engram said he felt this Broncos roster had a ‘bunch of Jokers’ — the Payton-adored concept of a mismatch RB or TE in the passing game. Early on in 2025, though, none have materialized,” Evans wrote.
“Engram, the splashy free-agent signing …, has been riddled with injuries and hasn’t played much when active. Reserve running back Jaleel McLaughlin, who [head coach Sean] Payton said in August has “been to Joker school now for two years,” has been inactive. And Harvey, general manager George Paton’s described ‘pet cat’ in the draft process, has spent much of his short Broncos career scratching at the front door to be let outside.”
Engram was sparsely used even before suffering the back injury that knocked him out of Week 3 against the Chargers. However, like with Harvey, the Broncos have also spoken optimistically about getting him going.
Broncos Urged to Feed J.K. Dobbins
GettyBo Nix #10 instructs J.K. Dobbins #27 of the Denver Broncos against the Indianapolis Colts.
Expanding the RB position in the passing attack could be another key for the Broncos in unlocking Harvey. Dobbins has rushed for 222 yards and 3 TDs on 41 attempts, with four catches for 14 yards.
There are also calls for them to lean on the veteran even more.
However, given Dobbins’ injury history, featuring Harvey more could prove wise. “Monday Night Football” against the Cincinnati Bengals is his next opportunity to prove worthy of that.
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