The Denver Broncos will be without rookie running back Jonah Coleman (ankle) for Sunday night’s game against the Los Angeles Rams, but running backs J.K. Dobbins (hip) and R.J. Harvey (hamstring) are available after receiving no game status on Friday’s injury report. Locked On Broncos host Cody Roark framed the setup as a test of whether Denver can protect its returning runners without abandoning the ground game.
Coleman was ruled out after missing three consecutive practices, removing a rookie who helped close out Denver’s Week 2 win. The Broncos’ official depth chart lists Dobbins, Harvey, Coleman, and running back Tyler Badie in that order, so Coleman’s absence gives Badie a clear path to the active lineup and a potentially larger offensive role.
Roark argued that Denver should not respond by sharply reducing Dobbins’ and Harvey’s workload. He proposed a committee-oriented target of roughly 12 carries for Dobbins, eight for Harvey, and four for Badie, while leaving room to ride whichever runner provides the most production. That is a projection rather than an announced plan, but it captures the central decision for a backfield managing multiple recent injuries.
The return-game picture adds another layer. Wide receiver Marvin Mims Jr. (foot) is questionable after logging limited practices all week, and Coleman’s absence also removes one of Denver’s recent kick-return options. Roark said he would be cautious about exposing Harvey to extra special-teams contact immediately after his hamstring issue, particularly when the offense needs him available for a meaningful share of the rushing work.
Denver’s inactive list and Mims’ pregame availability will settle the remaining personnel questions before kickoff on September 27. The more important answer will come once the game starts: whether the Broncos can establish a sustainable rotation, keep Dobbins and Harvey healthy, and avoid putting too much of the offense on one runner against Los Angeles.
