RJ Harvey’s Role Is Growing - and the Broncos Are Just Getting Started
The Denver Broncos are starting to lean more heavily on rookie running back RJ Harvey - and if you ask Sean Payton, they’re only scratching the surface of what he can become. With five games left in the regular season and a playoff push very much in play, Harvey’s emergence could be one of the most important developments of Denver’s season.
After Wednesday’s practice, Payton didn’t hold back in his praise for the second-round pick, who has now assumed the lead role in the backfield following J.K. Dobbins’ injury. Harvey’s workload is increasing, both in terms of touches and responsibilities, and Payton made it clear: there’s more to come.
“You haven’t seen anything yet,” Payton said, pointing to Harvey’s rare skill set and versatility.
And he’s not wrong. Harvey is coming off a two-touchdown performance against Washington on Sunday Night Football, a game that offered a glimpse of what he can bring to the table when the offense commits to the ground game. He’s got the kind of burst that jumps off the screen - slipping through tight gaps between the tackles, powering through contact, and flashing big-play potential both as a runner and a pass catcher.
What makes Harvey even more intriguing is how complete his game is becoming. He’s not just a speed guy or a third-down back.
Payton noted his ability in pass protection - a critical piece for any young back trying to earn every-down snaps - and praised his football IQ and physical makeup. Harvey’s a former quarterback, which gives him a unique feel for the game, and while he’s not the most vocal guy in the locker room, his quiet demeanor doesn’t mask his understanding of the playbook or his commitment to the grind.
“He’s smart. He’s just quiet,” Payton said. “You really have to poke him to get something out of him, but I think that’s just his nature.”
Right now, Denver is still figuring out the rotation between Harvey, Jaleel McLaughlin, and Tyler Badie. That’s a puzzle the coaching staff will need to solve quickly, especially with the postseason race heating up. But Harvey’s rise is starting to shift the balance.
One of the biggest challenges? Making sure each back is used in a way that maximizes their strengths.
Payton mentioned that it’s not just about getting Harvey the ball - it’s about how and when they do it. He can’t just be on the field for handoffs.
He needs to be a threat in multiple phases, and the Broncos are clearly working to build that into their game plans.
Of course, the Broncos’ run game hasn’t been the same since guard Ben Powers went down with an injury. Before that, Denver was pounding out 140.3 rushing yards per game - good for fourth in the league.
Since then, that number has dipped to 119.3, dropping them to 14th. Combine that with the loss of Dobbins, and it’s clear why the ground attack has hit a bit of a wall.
But if Harvey continues to grow into his role - and if the offensive line can stabilize - there’s a real path for this rushing attack to regain its early-season form. And that’s going to be key down the stretch. A strong run game doesn’t just move the chains - it opens up the entire offense, giving rookie quarterback Bo Nix cleaner looks and more manageable situations.
The Broncos don’t need Harvey to be a finished product right now. But if he keeps trending the way he is - and if Payton can keep finding ways to put him in positions to succeed - Denver might just have found its next star in the backfield.