Due to the Denver Broncos’ running back J.K. Dobbins being out for Week 11 against the Kansas City Chiefs, fans were expecting RJ Harvey to have a big game. However, at halftime, Harvey had just three carries for four yards and one reception for two yards.
What Happened to RJ Harvey?
Dobbins’ absence undoubtedly means a heavier workload for Harvey, who was a second-round pick in the 2025 NFL Draft. Coming out of UCF, Harvey has rushed for 214 rushing yards and two touchdowns on 50 carries so far this season while adding 175 receiving yards and four scores through the passing game.
While Harvey is perfectly healthy and no one is injured or limited in any way, it’s no reason fans are wondering why his production is so low, considering he needs to take on increased responsibility.
According to the Denver Broncos on SI, Harvey entered play against the Chiefs ready for whatever head coach Sean Payton wanted to throw at him.
“Yeah, I’m ready. Whatever Coach needs me to do, I’m ready to go,” Harvey said on a Friday radio show appearance. “On the field, [I] had a great week of practice and just ready to go.”
As a rookie, Harvey has also added 25 receptions for 175 yards and four additional scores prior to Week 11. However, the RB is not alone in increased responsibility in the offensive scheme.
Harvey will be complemented by Tyler Badie and Jaleel McLaughlin, the latter of whom has spent all but one game as a healthy scratch this season. Harvey stands at 5’8″, weighing 205 pounds, and was selected by Denver in the second round (pick No. 60) of the 2025 NFL Draft.
Broncos’ RB workload split so far
Jaleel McLaughlin:
5 carries
15 rushing yards
1 TDRJ Harvey:
5 carries
10 rushing yards
3-19-0 receiving line— Underdog NFL (@UnderdogNFL) November 16, 2025
“When we drafted him, it was his running skill set, and he had a lot of touches,” Payton said about Harvey this past week. “Then you have experience in a guy like Jaleel, who is explosive and has been champing at the bit.”
“I think sometimes players are not held back, but when you are watching [WR] Pat Bryant grow right in front of our eyes and you’re starting to see that with RJ, and obviously he’ll have more opportunities here in this gam,” Payton added. “He’s built, when you see his frame, he’s built to last, and that’s important.”
Hopefully, he will be able to make an impact in the second half of the game against the Chiefs.
Editor’s Note: This is a breaking news story and will be updated throughout the day as more information becomes available.