The Denver Broncos’ backfield took another hit this week, and rookie Jonah Coleman is now dealing with a sprained ankle after Sunday’s win over the Jacksonville Jaguars.
ESPN’s Adam Schefter reported Wednesday that Coleman suffered the injury in the game, adding another layer of uncertainty for Denver as it heads toward a Sunday Night Football matchup with the Rams. Coleman’s first NFL action came in Week 2, and he made the most of it, tying for the team lead with 10 carries, finishing with 39 rushing yards, and scoring his first NFL touchdown. He also caught three passes for 19 yards in the Broncos’ 20-13 comeback victory.
Coleman also spent time in the blue medical tent during the game, which likely connected to the ankle issue, though neither that nor the injury was brought up by head coach Sean Payton after the game.
“He played well. Then the very end, that last carry was… We work on four-minute [situations], but that certainly didn’t feel like a rookie series, if you will.
He came up big, and we needed it," Payton said of Coleman. "You carry three [running backs] on gameday like everyone else.
We were down to two and the fullback. Those guys did a good job, and then we found a couple schemes that we liked and stayed with it.
His play right at the end, staying in bounds, that was something you cover, but maybe he doesn’t get those same reps in practice. He did a good job.”
The timing isn’t ideal for Denver. RJ Harvey was already out in Week 2 with a hamstring injury, and starter J.K. Dobbins left the game with leg cramps.
Schefter also reported Wednesday that Harvey "continues to make progress" in his recovery, while Dobbins is expected to practice this week.
If Coleman is slowed, and if Harvey or Dobbins are not fully ready, the Broncos may need to lean more heavily on reserve Tyler Badie or turn to practice squad back Cody Schrader.
“So yesterday, [RB] RJ [Harvey] was out, and then [RB] J.K. [Dobbins] got nicked up and wasn’t able to finish," Payton told reporters on Monday.
"None of that today on Monday is at a place where we’re-I think all three of those players we’re discussing can be bell cow, handle a majority of the carries. Yes, I think there’s a lot ahead of us this week relative to who our runners are going to be.”
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