Broncos Lose Key Defenders and Star RB to Injuries Before Chiefs Showdown

The Denver Broncos will face the Kansas City Chiefs on Sunday without two key contributors, while four other foundational players remain questionable for the matchup.

Running back RJ Harvey and safety Talanoa Hufanga are ruled out for the game. Harvey sustained a knee injury during Thursday practice, while Hufanga is missing his third consecutive contest due to an ankle issue. All-Pro cornerback Pat Surtain II, who has been battling an ankle problem, is cleared to play and has been removed from the injury report.

The uncertainty extends to four other players listed as questionable: defensive tackle Zach Allen, wide receiver Jaylen Waddle, left tackle Garett Bolles, and safety Brandon Jones. All four participated in Friday practice in a limited capacity. Allen and Waddle were injured during the fourth quarter of Denver's win against Arizona last week, while Jones dropped out of Thursday practice with a hamstring issue. Bolles is dealing with a hip problem.

Harvey's absence forces a reshuffle in the backfield. With veteran J.K. Dobbins already on injured reserve with a thumb injury and rookie Jonah Coleman stepping in, the Broncos will rely on depth. The team is likely to promote Cody Schrader from the practice squad. Dobbins pushed back on reports that he was ceding playing time to Coleman earlier in the week. Head coach Sean Payton noted on Friday that the team considers the length of the season and Dobbins' health when allocating snaps.

"I mean, yeah, and I think one of the challenges sometimes with three backs is it's much easier with two to get the balance, but man he's doing well," Payton said of Dobbins. "It's a deep room. I like the way the're playing in general. With him, his numbers have peaked. There's certain times when you look at the analytical data we have now and you see burst and speed. We like the depth there."

Coleman expressed his readiness to fill any role. "I'm ready for any opportunity I'm given," he said. "Whenever I'm out there, I'm going to give the team my all."

Hufanga attended Friday practice for the first time since injuring his ankle on October 11 against the Los Angeles Chargers, though he did not participate. With Hufanga out and Jones questionable, the Broncos are expected to elevate veteran Taylor Rapp from the practice squad for the third and final time. Rapp has filled in effectively during the past two weeks. A source told The Denver Post that Harvey's knee injury is not believed to be severe, but it is not yet clear if he will be placed on injured reserve before Sunday.

The Chiefs also have notable absences on their injury report. Cornerback L'Jarius Sneed is out with a knee injury. Rookie cornerback Mansoor Delane and edge rusher R Mason Thomas are listed as questionable. Delane practiced Wednesday but missed the last two sessions with a shoulder injury. Thomas had a sack in the teams' first meeting. Top receiver Rashee Rice is cleared to play after missing the past two games with hamstring and knee issues.