Broncos RB RJ Harvey Sidelined With Hamstring Injury After Week 1

RJ Harvey missing practice with a hamstring injury right after Week 1 is the exact kind of news that makes fantasy managers stare blankly at their screens.

Adam Schefter reported Wednesday that the Denver Broncos running back sat out of practice. After Denver just got completely dismantled 31-10 by the Kansas City Chiefs on Monday, losing a versatile backfield piece is the absolute last thing this offense needs.

"Adam Schefter reported: 'Broncos RB RJ Harvey did not practice today due to a hamstring injury.'"

Harvey was supposed to be a reliable engine for this unit. As a rookie last year, he racked up 12 total touchdowns and nearly 900 scrimmage yards. In the Week 1 loss to Kansas City, he managed 41 total yards on seven touches, which is not exactly a fantasy week-winner, but it proved he was still a core part of the game plan.

Now he has a hamstring issue on a short week. Soft tissue injuries for running backs are the sports equivalent of a check-engine light that you know is going to cost you a thousand dollars. You can ignore it for a few days, but it will eventually leave you stranded on the side of the highway.

This is also a guy who just spent the entire offseason recovering from a torn labrum he suffered in last year's AFC Championship Game against the New England Patriots. Add in a college ACL tear and a rib issue from last December, and his medical chart is starting to read like a stunt double's resume.

For anyone holding Denver tickets or relying on Harvey in a flex spot, this is a massive red flag. Spread bettors will want to monitor the backfield rotation closely, because the Broncos offense already looked completely lost in Arrowhead without adding a depleted running game to the mix.

We will see if he manages to log a limited session by Friday. If Harvey cannot go this weekend, expect Denver to scramble for answers in a backfield that suddenly looks dangerously thin.