Pro Football Rumors
The Broncos are hoping for more from RJ Harvey during the running back’s second year in the NFL. However, the former second-round pick will first have to recover from offseason surgery.
According to Luca Evans of the Denver Post, Harvey suffered a torn labrum in his shoulder during the Broncos’ AFC Championship Game loss to the Patriots. The RB underwent subsequent surgery, and while he’s been a partial participant in practices, he “hasn’t done much team work in OTAs.”
Harvey saw a part-time role through the first few months of his rookie campaign, but he took on a larger workload once teammate J.K. Dobbins was lost to injury. From Week 11 through the end of the season, Harvey collected 507 of his 896 scrimmage yards and half of his 12 offensive touchdowns. He continued producing in the team’s playoff win over the Bills, when he collected 66 yards from scrimmage on only 11 touches. He was limited to 59 yards on 17 touches in the loss to the Patriots.
Dobbins inked a two-year extension with the franchise this past offseason, meaning Harvey will likely be stuck in a partial timeshare for the next few years. The organization also added Jonah Coleman in the fourth round of this year’s draft. If Harvey is delayed during training camp, that could open the door for the likes of Jaleel McLaughlin, Tyler Badie, and/or Cody Schrader to force their way on the 53.
Still, Harvey possesses the most upside of the bunch, and he’s confident he can take a significant step forward with a full professional season under his belt.
“Year two in the system, I feel way more comfortable,” he said (via Evans). “And it’s only going to get better, from where I left off at.”
