The Denver Broncos’ offense just took a major hit, with running back R.J. Harvey officially heading to injured reserve after suffering a knee injury in practice this week. This isn’t a small thing, folks: an IR stint means Harvey is out for at least the next four games. This is a real blow, especially for a guy who’s been critical in their passing game.
The Big Hole Harvey Leaves Behind
Look, Harvey isn’t just some rotational backup; he’s been the Broncos’ key guy on third downs. More than that, he’s been their top receiver coming out of the backfield all season. We’re talking about 25 catches for 217 yards this year, plus another 24 carries for 87 yards. That’s a significant chunk of their offensive production and a big part of how they move the chains that’s suddenly off the field. You can bet Denver coaches are scrambling right now to figure out who steps up to fill that void. Losing a player with that specific skill set, especially for those crucial third-down plays, changes a lot for their game plan.
The Long Road Back to the Field
So, what does “at least four games” actually look like? Harvey will miss tomorrow’s game against the Chiefs, then Week 9 when they face the Panthers, their Week 10 bye, Week 11 against the Raiders, and Week 12 as they go up against the Steelers. That’s a huge stretch of games, including some tough matchups. The absolute earliest we could see Harvey back on the field is Week 13, on December 6, when the Broncos take on the Dolphins. That’s a long time for a player who’s been so integral to their passing attack.
This is a tough break for Harvey, and it’s going to put a lot of pressure on the rest of the Broncos’ backfield and receiving corps to pick up the slack, starting with tomorrow’s game. They’ve gotta find answers fast.
This article was created with AI assistance and published under Seattle On Tap’s editorial standards. See our Editorial Policy.
Originally reported by Pro Football Talk.
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