Schefter: Harvey (hamstring) is "unlikely to play"

Even if Harvey is active, he makes for a dicey FLEX start. The second-year running back totaled seven touches in last week’s loss and he logged only two limited practices this week. The Broncos can divvy up the backfield work between RB J.K. Dobbins, Harvey and rookie RB Jonah Coleman if need be.

Harvey joined his teammates on the field for a limited session after sitting out on Wednesday. He has a chance to play. If active, it is unclear how effective he can be, and the Broncos do have a capable backup, rookie RB Jonah Coleman, who should be stashed where available. Hopefully, Harvey practices fully tomorrow. Stay tuned.

Coming off Monday Night Football, the Broncos did not hold an official practice today, so their injury report is only an estimate. Still, an estimated DNP for Harvey is a major concern. Rookie Jonah Coleman will take on some of Harvey’s role if he isn’t available for Week 2. J.K. Dobbins would also pick up a few extra carries. Denver’s injury report will be one of the biggest fantasy stories of the week.

Nix during his postgame presser defended offensive play caller Davis Webb, who took over for head coach Sean Payton this offseason. “The players did not make it easy on [Webb] today,” said Nix, who completed 17-of-28 passes for 131 yards, one touchdown, and one interception in Monday night’s loss to Kansas City. “Pretty pitiful, actually.” Denver had the league’s second lowest drop back EPA of Week 1; only the Falcons were worse. Nix, meanwhile, ranked 28th out of 32 qualifying QBs in Week 1 accuracy. “We called exactly what we prepared for and what we wanted to get to and we just didn’t execute,” Nix said. “Then we were behind.” Webb and the Broncos will look to bounce back in Week 2 against a tough Jaguars defense.

Opportunities were at a premium on a night the Broncos managed only 176 yards of total offense, with Harvey clearly limited on the ground behind starter J.K. Dobbins. It could be a similar story in the coming weeks considering the Broncos turned over offensive play calling duties to first-time offensive coordinator Davis Webb amidst the most difficult first six games in the league. Harvey will be a difficult start against the pass-funnel Jaguars in Week 2, where he checks in as a middling RB3.

Dobbins started and handily saw the most carries but was limited by a poor offensive environment on a night the Broncos were out-gained by opposing running back Kenneth Walker alone, limiting Dobbins to only eight carries and zero targets. The next five games could be tough sledding for the veteran back, with games against the Jaguars, Rams, 49ers, Chargers, and Seahawks on deck. Dobbins can safely be left on fantasy benches for a Week 2 showdown against the pass-funnel Jaguars.

Badie’s inclusion on the Week 1 inactives list means rookie Jonah Coleman gets the nod as the RB3 behind J.K. Dobbins and RJ Harvey. It remains unlikely Coleman contributes meaningful counting stats in his first professional appearance, but the fact he is now confirmed to be ahead of Badie is meaningful to his longterm upside in what should be one of the top rushing attacks in the league.

Dobbins will once again start the season as Denver’s presumed lead back, though he’s unlikely to see much pass-game involvement. That should belong (for now) to RJ Harvey, who’s listed as the team’s RB2. Harvey last year was targeted on a strong 27 percent of his pass routes and ended the season with 47 receptions for 365 yards and six receiving scores. Rookie RB Jonah Coleman will start the year as the Broncos’ RB3. He profiles as a sneaky stash option in 12 and 14-team formats.

Legwold writes that the fourth-round rookie is “squarely in the backfield rotation” for the Broncos. Coleman possesses a three-down skill set that could open the door for him to eat into both J.K. Dobbins’ and RJ Harvey’s roles, but fantasy managers shouldn’t rush to put him in their lineups at this time. Dobbins is still considered the favorite to lead the Broncos in early-down touches to start the season, with most of Harvey’s looks coming on third down and in passing situations. That said, Coleman is one of the higher upside stashes at his position who could prove to have top-24 upside or better at some point this season.

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