Broncos RB R.J. Harvey Hits IR Because NFL Backfields Are Cursed

Being an NFL running back right now is basically an extreme sport where the grand prize is a weekly MRI. Just when the Denver Broncos thought they had their backfield figured out, emerging rookie R.J. Harvey is heading to short-term injured reserve with a knee injury suffered in practice.

According to Ian Rapoport, Harvey will miss at least the next four games. He is eligible to return as soon as December 6 when the Broncos host the Miami Dolphins, meaning Denver is once again shuffling a depth chart held together by duct tape and good vibes.

"Ian Rapoport reported that Harvey will miss the next four games and is eligible to return Dec. 6 against the Dolphins."

The timing is brutal for a Broncos team sitting at 5-2 and second in the AFC West. Losing Harvey stings extra because he was the guy stepping up after J.K. Dobbins went down earlier this year. Harvey had already battled through a rib issue against the Green Bay Packers and a hamstring tweak, only for a random practice rep to take him out for a month.

Now, Denver has to figure out how to move the chains in a massive divisional spot. The Broncos host the Kansas City Chiefs this Sunday night as 1.5-point home underdogs. Trying to keep pace with Patrick Mahomes is hard enough when you have your starting weapons, let alone when you are digging into the reserves.

This leaves the door wide open for Jonah Coleman to introduce himself to the NFL. If Denver wants to keep this playoff push alive, they need to survive the next month without their emerging back.

Harvey gets to rest up for a potential December return, while the Broncos try to figure out who is actually left to carry the football.