ENGLEWOOD — What Jonah Coleman has called a “three-headed monster” is now back to a two-headed monster.

The Broncos on Friday ruled out running back RJ Harvey for Sunday’s big home game against Kansas City with a knee injury he suffered in practice Thursday.

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Coleman, a rookie running back, returned for last Sunday’s 30-16 win at Arizona after missing four games with an ankle injury and carried nine times for 54 yards. After the game, Broncos coach Sean Payton said Coleman was in line to get more touches.

In that game, the Broncos used starter J.K. Dobbins, Harvey and Coleman at running back, the trio Coleman has called a “three-headed monster.” But just as Coleman returned to action, Harvey is out.

“I’m ready for any opportunity I’m given, and whenever I’m out there on the field, I’m going to give the team my all,’’ Coleman said after practice at Broncos Park when asked if Harvey’s injury means a bigger workload for him. “So I don’t really control if my role is bigger or not so just be prepared for my opportunity when I get into the game.”

As expected, the Broncos on Friday also ruled out safety Talanoa Hufanga, who will miss a third consecutive game because of an ankle injury. And star cornerback Pat Surtain II has no injury designation and will return Sunday after missing three games with an ankle injury.

The Broncos listed defensive lineman Zach Allen (hamstring), wide receiver Jaylen Waddle (chest), tackle Garett Bolles (hip) and safety Brandon Jones (hamstring) as questionable for Sunday.

With Harvey out, the Broncos are expected to elevate Cody Schrader from the practice squad to serve as a third back. The Broncos last Saturday placed running back Tyler Badie on injured reserve because of a broken thumb, and he must miss at least three more games.

With Hufanga out and Jones questionable, safety Taylor Rapp is expected to be elevated from the practice squad for a third straight game, although it’s possible he could be signed to the 53-man roster. Regardless, he is expected to be active against the Chiefs.

Jones was injured in practice Thursday and was listed that day as limited. He also was limited in Friday’s workout. So were Allen, Waddle and Bolles.

Allen and Waddle both were hurt in the fourth quarter at Arizona. It is uncertain when Bolles was injured.

If the Broncos (5-2) defeat the Chiefs (5-1), they will take over first place in the AFC West. They are seeking to avenge a 31-10 defeat in Week 1 at Kansas City, a game in which Coleman made his NFL debut but didn’t have a touch while playing just three snaps.

“It’s definitely going to feel good to play against the Chiefs,” Coleman said. “Obviously, they’re No. 1 in the division right now and that’s where we want to be. So just being able to go out there and have the opportunity to knock off the No. 1 team is always a good opportunity, so excited about that.”

After the Week 1 loss to the Chiefs, the Broncos defeated Jacksonville 20-13 in Week 2, a game in which Coleman had 38 of his 39 rushing yards in the fourth quarter. But after playing much of that game on a sprained ankle, he was placed on injured reserve and missed the next four games.

“I only ever missed one college football game in my whole entire life and that happened my senior season at the University of Washington,” Coleman said. “Just to be able to miss four after two games and then coming off a big game and big win, it definitely sucked to go through that. But I just had to stay positive. The other guys in the (running back) room keep me positive.”

Among those Coleman credited is Dobbins, who played just 14 snaps against the Cardinals while Coleman was in for 30.

“He’s still being the leader and still giving that advice that he gives,” Coleman said.

On Sunday, Coleman no doubt hopes to be talking about a two-headed monster for the Broncos at running back.

Payton lauds Mahomes

Payton has been talking for years about how New Orleans had hoped to select Texas Tech quarterback Patrick Mahomes in the 2017 draft when he was coaching the Saints and they had the No. 11 pick.

Alas, Mahomes went No. 10 to Kansas City while the Saints selected cornerback Marshon Lattimore with the next pick. Mahomes has gone on to win three Super Bowls and eventually will be enshrined in the Pro Football Hall of Fame.

“If I felt like this was going to be the end product, we would have gotten to (the No. 10) overall pick, whatever it took,” Payton said with a laugh.

Still, Payton said he knew Mahomes was going to develop into a heck of a quarterback.

“He was extremely smart,” Payton said. “All the stuff, the testing. … He had real good arm strength. … We had one of these private days (with Mahomes). It was exceptional. Each thing you’re looking for was just remarkably high.”

Briefly

With Waddle in line to miss some practice time during the week, the Broncos on Tuesday worked out wide receiver Eli Pancol and signed him to the practice squad that day. He then took part in practices Wednesday through Friday. “I got the call on Monday a little later than noon and was told I had to catch a flight in a couple of hours,” Pancol said of flying from Indianapolis, where he had been released from the Colts’ practice squad on Oct. 20. “I think it’s a great opportunity. I’m just trying to help any way I can.” … Payton, with a 189-110 record in 19 seasons, will coach his 300th regular-season game Sunday. Counting his 10-10 playoff record, he is going for his 200th overall win. … Payton has great respect for Chiefs coach Andy Reid and regularly watches what his team does on offense. “They’ve been very creative,” Payton said. “There are a ton of different things they do.”