The Denver Broncos are placing their trust in rookie running back RJ Harvey as they navigate the challenges of their run game following the injury of veteran J.K. Dobbins. Dobbins, who had been a crucial part of the Broncos’ offensive strategy, was sidelined with a Lisfranc injury, leaving Harvey and fellow rookie Jaleel McLaughlin to step into the spotlight.
During a tense matchup against the Washington Commanders on November 16, 2025, the Broncos managed to secure a narrow 27-26 overtime victory. The game highlighted both the team’s reliance on the passing game and the ongoing issues within their rushing attack. With less than two minutes remaining and a three-point lead, conventional wisdom suggested that they should focus on running the ball to control the clock. Instead, quarterback Bo Nix opted for multiple passing attempts, which ultimately led to a baffling interception by linebacker Bobby Wagner.
In the absence of Dobbins, Harvey has struggled to establish a consistent ground game, averaging just 2.7 yards per carry over two games as the lead back. This figure drops to 2.6 yards per carry when excluding a standout 50-yard run in Week 1 and a 40-yard touchdown in Week 8. Despite these numbers, Harvey’s overall contribution during the recent game was noteworthy. He rushed for 35 yards on 13 carries and scored two touchdowns, demonstrating resilience even in challenging circumstances.
Despite the statistical challenges, tight end Adam Trautman expressed confidence in the team’s running backs. “There’s no way you can downplay losing J.K., who was a top-five back when he was healthy this year. He was obviously great for us,” Trautman said. “But we are obviously very confident in our backs, and we have a lot of confidence in our front.”
The Broncos’ offensive strategy has shifted significantly in the last two weeks, with a striking 65.4% of their plays being passes. This change reflects the challenges the team has faced in establishing a reliable running game. Coach Sean Payton acknowledged the adjustments made by the Commanders, who deployed heavier defensive units to counteract the Broncos’ rushing attempts.
Harvey’s performance was impacted by the Commanders’ defensive strategy. He faced at least seven defenders near the line of scrimmage on eight of his 13 carries, limiting his opportunities. Payton defended Harvey’s performance, emphasizing that the issues were not solely on the rookie running back. “It’s nothing to do with the runner,” Payton stated after the game. “We’ll watch the tape, but trust me, it was just looks where the evaluation will be on how we blocked it, and then the scheme, relative to what we were seeing defensively.”
While Harvey has shown promise, he has occasionally struggled with decision-making on the field. One instance during the fourth quarter saw him attempt to bounce a run outside, resulting in a minimal gain instead of exploiting an open hole created by receiver Troy Franklin. According to NFL’s Next Gen Stats, Harvey has averaged 3.1 yards per carry on runs outside the tackles this season, which indicates room for improvement.
Despite these challenges, Harvey is evolving into a more complete back. His ability to handle blitz pickups in pass protection has improved, allowing Nix to make crucial throws. His performance against the Commanders, particularly at the goal line, is encouraging for the Broncos as they move forward.
As the season progresses, the Broncos are adjusting their offensive strategy. They have begun to shift away from single-back handoffs towards more passing plays, which could open up opportunities for Harvey. Trautman believes that Harvey’s understanding of the game will only improve. “He’s only going to get better every week with everything,” Trautman noted. “Seeing holes, understanding how the scheme fits, and where his eyes are… he’s a smart player, and he works his tail off. So, it’s only going to get better.”
With a challenging schedule ahead, the Broncos are placing their faith in RJ Harvey to not only step up but also to adapt and thrive in an evolving offensive landscape. As they prepare for their next matchups, the team’s ability to balance their run and pass game will be critical to their success.
