Broncos' 'special' RB RJ Harvey set for bigger role with J.K. Dobbins injured
After losing J.K. Dobbins to a foot injury , the Denver Broncos are now expected to start rookie running back RJ Harvey .
"Obviously, he’ll have more opportunities here in this game," Broncos coach Sean Payton said of Harvey's role against the Kansas City Chiefs on Sunday. "He’s built, when you see his frame, he’s built to last, and that’s important.”
Denver quarterback Bo Nix has been impressed with what he's seen from the rookie so far this season.
"Honestly, the more carries he gets, probably the better he’ll be," Nix said of Harvey.
Playing in a rotational role behind Dobbins, Harvey rushed 50 times for 214 yards and two touchdowns through the first ten games of the season, averaging 4.3 yards per carry.
"I think you just see the confidence growing more and more each week, and for a young guy, that’s all it comes down to is confidence, believing that you belong here, knowing that you know you’re the best one on the field, and you can go out there and show it," Nix said. "I think he’s just going to continue to find his way. Whether that’s running or catching, blocking, doesn’t matter. I think he’s a great team player, and he can find a way to get it done for us.”
Harvey has also made an impact in the passing game, hauling in 25 receptions for 175 yards and four touchdowns, including three scores over the last four weeks.
"RJ is special," wide receiver Courtland Sutton said. "We call that boy the ‘ATH’ [athlete]. I’m sure in your profession, you can put together what that means. He’s not just a running back. He’s a very special dude. The dude can do a little bit of everything. The dude can run the ball, obviously, but watching him catch the ball out of the backfield and catching and carrying. The thing that’s scary is that I feel like he’s barely scratching the surface of his potential of what he can do in the league. I think guys are just now seeing a little bit of what he’s capable of. He’s dangerous."
Harvey's poised to start against the Chiefs on Sunday, and while he may not necessarily get a workhorse role , he is the clear choice for RB1 duties, and his touches are about to go up. Sutton is confident Harvey will take advantage of this opportunity to get more reps.
"The dude has incredible balance, incredible speed," Sutton said. "You pair that up with a guy that can catch the ball out of the backfield, get matched up with a linebacker that can’t run as fast as him, it’s a dangerous combination. I’m looking forward to continuing to watch RJ flourish and develop and turn into the guy that we all know he can be, and he knows he can be.”
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This article originally appeared on Broncos Wire: Fantasy Football: RJ Harvey to get bigger role with J.K. Dobbins out
