The Denver Broncos will have to pivot in the backfield for the rest of the season after starting running back J.K. Dobbins was placed on injured reserve before Week 11 against the Kansas City Chiefs.
Dobbins, 26, suffered a foot injury in the Broncos' Week 10 win over the Las Vegas Raiders on Thursday Night Football. Senior NFL insider Adam Schefter revealed that the veteran will undergo surgery on the foot that may result in him missing the rest of the 2025 season.
While Dobbins heads to the sidelines, this means that rookie second-round pick RJ Harvey will step up into the starting running back role.
RJ Harvey is ready to take on a larger role for Broncos' offense
Harvey, 24, was selected by the Broncos with the No. 60 overall pick in the 2025 NFL Draft out of the University of Central Florida. So far this season, he has been serving as the RB2 for Denver.
He spoke with the press on Friday, saying, "I'm ready. Whatever the coach needs me to do, I'm ready to go. I had a great week of practice, and I'm ready to go."
RJ Harvey on a bigger role this week:
— Zac Stevens (@ZacStevensDNVR) November 14, 2025
“I’m ready” pic.twitter.com/svhmMB2Fjm
The rookie is suited to be a workhorse back, as he was one of the most used running backs in all of college football last year. In 2024, Harvey was ranked third in the nation in rushing yards (1,577) and was tied for third in total touchdowns (25).
So far in his rookie season, Harvey has 214 rushing yards while adding 25 receptions for 175 receiving yards with six total touchdowns. He's caught fire over the past month. Since Week 7, Harvey has five touchdowns in four games.
His first assignment as the lead back will be tough as the Denver Broncos (8-2) host the Kansas City Chiefs (5-4).
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Bears get answers on injuries to Rome Odunze, DJ Moore for Week 11 vs. Vikings
Rams' Sean McVay gives encouraging injury update on Davante Adams after Week 10 setback