Broncos Lose Two Starters as Chiefs Face Rookie Doubts

Running back RJ Harvey will miss Sunday’s game against the Kansas City Chiefs after injuring his knee during Thursday’s practice. Safety Talanoa Hufanga will also sit out for the third consecutive game due to an ankle injury. These two absences leave the Denver Broncos without key contributors for their matchup against the AFC West leaders.

All-Pro cornerback Pat Surtain II has been cleared to play after being removed from the injury report. His return provides a boost for Denver’s secondary. However, four other foundational players are listed as questionable. Defensive tackle Zach Allen has a hamstring issue, wide receiver Jaylen Waddle has a chest injury, left tackle Garett Bolles has a hip problem, and safety Brandon Jones has a hamstring issue. All four participated in limited capacity during Friday’s practice.

Sources indicate Harvey’s knee injury is not believed to be severe or long-term. He is already ruled out for Sunday’s contest. It is not yet clear if he will be placed on injured reserve. Denver typically makes IR decisions on Saturday. Harvey would need to face more than a five-week recovery to be a strong candidate for that status, given the team’s upcoming bye week. With Harvey out and Tyler Badie already on IR, the backfield will rely on rookie Jonah Coleman and veteran J.K. Dobbins. Cody Schrader is expected to be promoted from the practice squad.

Head coach Sean Payton said the coaching staff considers the length of the season and Dobbins’ health when allocating playing time. Payton noted that balancing three backs is more difficult than managing two, but he is pleased with the group’s performance. Coleman said he is ready for any role the team assigns to him. Hufanga attended Friday’s practice for the first time since hurting his ankle on October 11, though he did not participate. Veteran Taylor Rapp will be elevated from the practice squad for the third time unless he is promoted to the 53-man roster.

Several key Kansas City defenders face uncertainty for Sunday. Cornerback L’Jarius Sneed was ruled out Friday with a knee injury. Cornerback Mansoor Delane, who has a shoulder injury, and edge rusher R Mason Thomas, who has a personal issue, are both listed as questionable. Delane practiced on Wednesday but has not participated since. Thomas recorded a sack in the first matchup between the teams. Rashee Rice, the Chiefs’ top receiver, is cleared to play after missing the previous two games with hamstring and knee issues.