RJ Harvey Set for Massive Opportunity if Broncos Make Key Injury Decision

It wasn’t pretty, but the Denver Broncos pulled off their seventh straight win last Thursday night against the Raiders to move to an NFL best 8-2.

As Sports Illustrated noted, a developing storyline is emerging that could shake up both Denver’s offense and fantasy football lineups. 

With J.K. Dobbins dealing with a left foot injury, a major opportunity opens for rookie running back RJ Harvey.

According to Zach Thompson of DK Fantasy, Dobbins suffered a mid-foot sprain on an apparent hip-drop tackle in the third quarter of the win over Las Vegas.

He returned to finish the game, but tests later revealed more damage than expected.

“He’s seeking a second opinion to determine the best course of treatment,” Thompson reported, adding that the Broncos are “considering injured reserve.” 

This is a move that would sideline Dobbins for at least four weeks. 

Meanwhile, fantasy analyst Thomas Carelli described the situation bluntly:

“Early reports suggest it’s not good and that he will miss time… This will elevate RJ Harvey to the starting job which is undisputed at that.” 

Denver’s Week 12 bye gives the team a chance to rest Dobbins longer if needed. 

This could hand Harvey RB1 duties against the Chiefs this Sunday and beyond.

J.K. Dobbins’ Injury Update and What It Means for Denver

The injury is a setback for Dobbins, who had been handling a heavy workload with at least 14 carries in seven straight games. 

Denver has yet to place him on IR, which might signal optimism about his recovery. 

However, with the Broncos holding one of the AFC’s best records, there’s little reason to rush him back before the playoffs. 

If Dobbins is sidelined, the Broncos’ ninth-ranked rushing offense (128.6 yards per game) will likely flow through Harvey. 

“Harvey could be in for a huge usage spike for as long as Dobbins is out,” Thompson said.

“In an effective offense, he’d be a very solid fantasy RB2 in an every-down role for Denver.”

Behind Harvey, Tyler Badie is expected to handle some passing downs.

However, Denver doesn’t have much depth at the position which makes the rookie’s role even more secure. 

Why RJ Harvey Could Emerge as a Star

Harvey has quietly made the most of his limited touches this season. 

He’s scored five touchdowns over his last four games, despite averaging fewer than 30% snap share. 

In his only game with extended work, he had 14 carries for 58 yards against Cincinnati. 

As Carelli noted, “Harvey is among the most efficient runners of the ball… certainly Top-10 caliber if he handles full workloads.”

He’s also become a major asset in the passing game with 25 receptions for 175 yards so far this season in limited snaps.

He gives fantasy managers major PPR upside and gives the Broncos a new dimension in their passing game. 

Even with a tough Week 11 matchup against the Chiefs, the volume alone could make him one of the week’s top breakout candidates. 

Whether Dobbins ends up on injured reserve or if he is just out for a few games, RJ Harvey is poised for a massive second-half of the season.  

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