Denver Broncos running back RJ Harvey will see an increased workload in Week 11 against the Kansas City Chiefs after a foot injury left starter J.K. Dobbins sidelined indefinitely, and the rookie is ready to do head coach Sean Payton’s bidding.
Harvey, the No. 60 overall pick of the 2025 draft, has already established him self as an explosive play option, particularly in the passing game.
However, his role on Sunday will require much more.
Broncos’ RJ Harvey Sends Message Ahead of 1st Start
GettyRJ Harvey #12 of the Denver Broncos scores a touchdown against the Cincinnati Bengals.
Harvey has tallied 214 rushing yards and 2 touchdowns on 50 attempts this season, and 175 yards and 4 TDs on 25 catches, which leads all rookie RBs. Harvey remains undaunted ahead of what is at least expected to be his first start, telling reporters on November 14, “I’m ready.”
“I’m ready. Whatever Coach needs me to do, I’m ready to go on the field,” Harvey told reporters on November 14. “Had a great week of practice. And yeah, just ready to go.”
Broncos receiver Courtland Sutton said they call Harvey the “ATH,” shorthand for “athlete.”
“RJ’s special, man,” Sutton told reporters on November 12. “He’s not just a running back. He’s a very special dude, man. The dude can do a little bit of everything. He can run the ball, obviously. But watching him catch the ball out the back field, and catching and carrying. And the thing that’s scary is I feel like he’s barely scratching the surface of his potential for what he can do in the league. I think guys are just seeing a little bit of what he’s capable of, and he’s dangerous, man. The dude has incredible balance, incredible speed.
“You pair that up with a guy that can catch the ball out the backfield, getting matched up with a linebacker that probably can’t run as fast as him, it’s a dangerous combination. So, man, I’m looking forward to continuing to watch RJ flourish, and develop, and turn into the guy that we all know that he can be and he knows he can be.”
Payton also offered a telling endorsement of Harvey before Dobbins was ruled out for Sunday, and possibly longer.
“When we drafted him, it was his running skill set and, man, he had a lot of touches,” Payton told media members on November 12. “Obviously, he’ll have more opportunities here in this game. So, yeah. He’s built. When you see his frame, he’s built to last, and that’s important.”
RJ Harvey: ‘Game Has Definitely Slowed Down’
GettyRJ Harvey #12 of the Denver Broncos carries the ball against the Cincinnati Bengals.
Before that, Harvey offered an encouraging assessment of his progress through the first 10 weeks of the season.
It certainly bodes well for his increased role in Week 11.
“The game has, I feel like, slowed down a lot for me,” Harvey said. “When I first got here, things were moving quick, moving fast. The game has definitely slowed down for me, and I definitely feel more comfortable.”
The Broncos need that comfort level to show up, facing what they have repeatedly admitted is a big game against the Chiefs.
KC is 5-4 entering the contest, but the Chiefs’ track record speaks volumes.
It is not a stretch to say that the attention on Harvey skyrocketed in the wake of Dobbins’ injury, which has put the bulk of the remaining regular-season slate in jeopardy. NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport posted on X on Friday that “all eyes turn to RJ Harvey.”
Converted QB Facing Major Opportunity in Week 11
GettyRJ Harvey #12 of the Denver Broncos runs the ball against the San Francisco 49ers
While Harvey is expected to share some of the workload with Tyler Badie and Jaleel McLaughlin, the focus of many will be on how the rookie performs.
A converted college QB, Harvey spoke candidly about wanting to make a big impact.
“Yeah, definitely want to be like those guys,” Harvey said in May. “Darren Sproles … he went crazy with the Saints. [Alvin] Kamara, too, so. I want to be better than those guys, so I’m gonna work every day, get better, and just prove myself to all the vets and the coaches. And I want to make a immediate impact in this league, so.”
He has made an immediate impact, just as he aimed to. Now, Harvey is in line for his first opportunity to show he can be the lead back on a playoff-hopeful.
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