The Denver Broncos are entering Week 11 with one of the best records in football. The team is sitting at 8-2 and is atop the AFC West. Much of the team’s success can be attributed to an elite ground game led by veteran J.K. Dobbins. Dobbins is currently fifth in the league with 772 rushing yards. PFSN’s RB Impact ranking gives Dobbins an 81.4 grade for his performance this season.
Unfortunately for the Broncos, Dobbins suffered a significant foot injury against the Raiders in Week 10. The running back managed to get 77 rushing yards before that injury, and the Broncos hung on to win 10-7. On Saturday, the Broncos placed Dobbins on the injured reserve, and he will miss the rest of the season. Here are the details on who will take over as the team’s primary running back.
Who Are the Backup Running Backs For the Broncos?
RJ Harvey
The Broncos drafted RJ Harvey out of UCF in the second round of the 2025 NFL Draft. Like Dobbins, Harvey has played in all 10 games this year, but he’s played a much smaller role.
So far, Harvey has rushed 50 times for 214 yards and two touchdowns. The rookie has contributed in a big way as a pass catcher, though, with 25 catches for 175 yards and four scores.
Tyler Badie
Tyler Badie has been around for several seasons now. The running back was originally a sixth-round pick of the Baltimore Ravens back in 2022, and was claimed by the Broncos ahead of the 2022 season.
So far in 2025, Badie has appeared in nine games and has carried the ball just twice for nine yards. The running back also has 10 catches for 87 yards and five tackles on special teams.
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Jaleel McLaughlin
Finally, we have Jaleel McLaughlin. McLaughlin has spent parts of three seasons now with the Broncos and has eight career starts, but none of those have been in 2025.
McLaughlin has appeared in just one game this year and has one carry for zero yards. The running back did collect 496 rushing yards and one touchdown last year as a change-of-pace back.
What Role Will These Running Backs Play?
RJ Harvey
Harvey will likely get the bulk of the carries going forward. The trade deadline has passed, so it’s unlikely the team could make a meaningful outside addition. Expect Harvey to be less involved in the pass game and more involved on the ground.
Tyler Badie
Badie will likely continue to be involved in the pass game and will likely spell Harvey. Harvey is a rookie who hasn’t received a heavy workload in the NFL yet, so he will need either Badie or McLaughlin to split the carries.
Jaleel McLaughlin
McLaughlin has been involved in prior seasons, with at least 400 yards in both 2023 and 2024. It wouldn’t be surprising to see McLaughlin get more carries than Badie, while Badie continues to play on special teams and on passing downs.