With RJ Harvey sidelined, rookie running back Jonah Coleman says he’s ready to step up as Denver prepares for a Week 8 showdown with the Chiefs.
Key points
- RJ Harvey’s knee injury and IR placement open up more snaps for Jonah Coleman.
- Coleman posted a 6.0‑yard per‑carry average in his first game back, the highest among Denver’s backs.
- Denver’s Week 8 matchup with the Chiefs offers a chance to reverse the 31‑10 opening‑week loss.
- Coleman has expressed readiness to contribute whenever called upon.
The Denver Broncos are heading into their Week 8 rematch with the Kansas City Chiefs without backup running back RJ Harvey, who was placed on injured reserve after a knee injury, according to the team’s latest roster move. The loss leaves a vacancy in the Broncos’ three‑man rushing rotation, and rookie Jonah Coleman has publicly said he is prepared for any chance to contribute.
Coleman’s recent snap counts suggest he could fill that gap. After returning from an IR stint for a high‑ankle sprain, he logged 28 offensive snaps in the win over the Arizona Cardinals, outpacing Harvey and J.K. Dobbins combined. He recorded nine carries for 54 yards, averaging six yards per attempt, which was the most efficient rush among Denver’s backs in that game.
Coleman's recent performance
By contrast, Dobbins managed six carries for 23 yards (3.8 YPC) and Harvey had three carries for six yards (2.0 YPC). Both Dobbins and Harvey found the end zone, but Coleman’s per‑carry productivity stood out. He repeated a similar workload against the Jacksonville Jaguars, handling 25 offensive snaps, ten carries for 39 yards and a touchdown, plus three receptions for 19 yards.
The Broncos’ opening loss to the Chiefs—a 31‑10 defeat that underscored Kansas City’s dominance—was a stark reminder of the division’s competitive stakes. Denver snapped a nine‑year streak of AFC West titles the previous season, and a win in the upcoming game could propel them back toward the top of the division.
Impact of Harvey's injury
“It’s definitely going to feel good to play against the Chiefs,” Coleman told the Denver Post, adding that the team’s goal is to be where the No. 1 club sits in the AFC West. His comments, coupled with the recent injury to Harvey, hint at a potential shift in the Broncos’ rushing strategy as the season reaches its midpoint.
Reader questions
What role could Jonah Coleman play now that RJ Harvey is on injured reserve?
With Harvey unavailable, the Broncos are likely to increase Coleman’s snap count and carry volume, especially given his recent efficiency when on the field.
How did Coleman perform in his recent games before the Chiefs rematch?
He logged 28 offensive snaps against the Cardinals, gaining 54 yards on nine carries (6.0 YPC), and earlier against the Jaguars he had 10 carries for 39 yards, a touchdown, and three receptions.
When is Denver’s next game against Kansas City?
The Broncos will face the Chiefs again in Week 8 of the 2026 NFL season.
Source: nfl.com
