The Denver Broncos clinched a playoff berth with their impressive victory over the Green Bay Packers in Week 15, improving to 12-2 on the season. RJ Harvey contributed to the win but departed late in the contest with an injury. Will fantasy football managers have the rookie running back available this week?
RJ Harvey Injury Update
Harvey’s injury has seemingly flown under the radar despite its potential significance for the Broncos backfield. The rookie running back suffered a rib injury late in Sunday’s game against Green Bay. He departed in the fourth quarter and did not return to the contest.​​
The timing of the injury makes it difficult to assess the severity. Harvey exited late in the game, so he did not have much of a chance to get evaluated and return to action. However, the game was close throughout, with the Broncos ultimately prevailing 34-26. The fact that Harvey did not return was not because of the score, as Denver needed to maintain its lead against a competitive Packers team.​​
Harvey was originally listed as questionable to return with the rib injury during the game. Sideline reporter Tracy Wolfson described the issue as a rib injury during the broadcast. The Broncos did not provide any update on Harvey’s status on Monday.​​
The team’s roster moves on Monday suggest there is legitimate concern about Harvey’s availability. Denver claimed running back Cody Schrader off waivers from the Houston Texans. Schrader had been waived by Houston on Saturday after a brief stint with the team. He has not appeared in a game since Week 1 and has one carry for three yards in his NFL career.​​
The Broncos are already dealing with a shortage at the running back position. J.K. Dobbins landed on injured reserve a few weeks ago, leaving the team thin at the position heading into the playoff push. If Harvey is sidelined, Denver will find itself in a challenging situation at running back.​
Harvey had been performing well before exiting with the injury. He rushed for 65 yards and one touchdown on 19 carries against Green Bay, helping lead the Broncos to the crucial victory.
Rib injuries vary widely in severity depending on whether there is a fracture involved. As long as there are no fractures, Harvey may have a chance to suit up for Week 16 or possibly miss only one week. However, if imaging reveals a fracture, the timeline extends considerably. The Broncos have not announced whether Harvey has undergone imaging to determine the extent of the injury.​
The early signs suggest this injury deserves close monitoring throughout the week. Head coach Sean Payton has not provided any public comments about Harvey’s status or his likelihood of playing in Week 16 against the Los Angeles Chargers.
Harvey’s Fantasy Outlook
If Harvey has to miss a game, it will be Jaleel McLaughlin and Tyler Badie leading the way for the Broncos. McLaughlin would be the preferred fantasy option between the two.​​
McLaughlin has shown flashes of capability when given opportunities this season. He provides more explosiveness and versatility than Badie, making him the likely choice to handle the majority of touches if Harvey cannot play. However, neither back profiles as a reliable fantasy starter, as both would likely operate in a committee approach.​
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The newly claimed Schrader could also factor into the rotation if Harvey misses time. However, with minimal NFL experience and just arriving to the team, Schrader would not be expected to carry a meaningful workload immediately. His presence is more about depth than anything else.
Fantasy managers rostering Harvey should monitor his practice participation closely throughout the week. The Broncos will provide updates on his status as the week progresses, and his ability to practice will offer the clearest indication of his availability for Sunday’s crucial divisional matchup.
Given the team’s playoff positioning and Harvey’s importance to the offense, there is legitimate reason to believe he will push to play if the injury is minor enough.​
