The Denver Broncos trio of running backs are all dealing with lower-body injuries, leaving their status in question for Sunday’s game against the Los Angeles Rams.
Rookie running back Jonah Coleman did not practice Wednesday with an ankle injury. Meanwhile, J.K. Dobbins (hip) and RJ Harvey (hamstring) were limited. All three players were present during the media’s viewing portion of practice.
Dobbins told The Denver Post after Wednesday’s practice that he was dealing with leg spasms but was “feeling good.”
Coach Sean Payton said he believes the Broncos running back room will be “alright” for Sunday’s contest.
Coleman and Dobbins both entered the medical tent during Sunday’s win against the Jacksonville Jaguars. Dobbins limped off in the second half after pointing to his hamstring, and didn’t return to the game. Coleman finished the game as the Broncos’ lead back after leaving the tent, closing the game’s final drive with six carries for 33 yards.
Harvey didn’t play at all against Jacksonville after injuring his hamstring in Week 1 against Kansas City. The second-year back was a limited participant in practice Thursday and Friday last week as well.
Payton indicated Monday he thought there was a chance that both Dobbins and Harvey would be available to play against the Rams. He also expressed confidence in the Broncos’ stable of running backs to handle a larger workload on Sunday night. Fourth-string running back Tyler Badie also caught a 27-yard pass and returned a kick 38 yards.
“I think all three of those players we’re discussing can be a bell cow (backs) and handle a majority of the carries,” Payton said.
Marvin Mims returns
Broncos wide receiver and punt returner Marvin Mims Jr. returned to practice Wednesday as a limited participant. It was the first time Mims has practiced since suffering a foot injury against the Chiefs in Week 1. After Mims avoided the injured reserve designation last week, it seemed likely he would return to action relatively soon. His first practice in more than a week is an encouraging sign for his availability Sunday.
The wideout told The Denver Post he suffered an aggravation of an injury he dealt with in training camp after Monday’s loss to Kansas City. He later returned to action but played just nine snaps on offense and a handful of return snaps.
Los Angeles Rams wide receiver Puka Nacua runs pass San Francisco 49ers safety Ji’ayir Brown during the first half of an NFL football game, Friday, Sept. 11, 2026, in Melbourne, Australia. (AP Photo/Scott Barbour)
Rams’ star status in doubt for Sunday
The Broncos aren’t the only team dealing with injury problems on offense this week. The Rams could be without star wide receiver Puka Nacua for a second consecutive week after Nacua suffered a hip/groin injury. Nacua did not practice with the Rams during their first session of the week despite it being a jog-through and coach Sean McVay said he’s unsure of the two-time All-Pro’s status for Sunday.
“Usually time is the best thing that allows that thing to heal,” McVay said. “And then once you get to a certain point, then I think you feel pretty good moving forward.”
Nacua led the NFL in receptions (129) last season and was second in receiving yards. He recorded five receptions for 74 yards in the team’s opener before missing the Rams’ Week 2 matchup against the New York Giants. Fellow wideout Davante Adams was excellent in his absence, posting eight catches for 195 yards and two touchdowns.
The Rams were also without safety Kam Kinchens, tight end Colby Parkinson and wide receiver Jordan Whittington at practice Wednesday. Tight end Terrance Ferguson was limited.
Denver Post columnist Troy Renck contributed to this report.
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