TheDenver Broncosbecame the first team to clinch a playoff spot in the AFC in Week 15, but it came at a bit of a price.
Rookie running backRJ Harveyexited the game in the fourth quarter with a rib injury and did not return. He is listed as questionable to play inWeek 16against theJacksonville Jaguarsas of Dec. 16.
Harvey has been one of Denver's big breakout players of 2025 in his first season in the pros. Through 15 weeks, Harvey leads theBroncoswith 10 touchdowns – six as a rusher and four as a receiver.
NFL NEWS, TAKES, FANTASY ADVICE:Check out the USA TODAY Sports NFL Vodcast
The Broncos' second-round pick in the 2025 NFL Draft has been a valuable complementary piece to veteran J.K. Dobbins in the backfield. For the last four weeks, Harvey had served as Denver's starting running back with Dobbins dealing with a serious foot injury that landed him on injured reserve (IR).
Now, Harvey is hurt. Will he miss time with his rib injury? Here's the latest injury update:
Week 1: Detroit Lions wide receiver Isaac TeSlaa (18) makes a catch for a touchdown against the Green Bay Packers during the fourth quarter at Lambeau Field. The play was originally ruled an incomplete pass, but the call was overturned. Despite TeSlaa's effort, the Packers won the game 27-13." style="max-width:100%; height:auto; border-radius:6px; margin:10px 0;" loading="lazy" /> 
Best images of the 2025 NFL season
Week 1: Detroit Lions wide receiver Isaac TeSlaa (18)makes a catch for a touchdownagainst the Green Bay Packers during the fourth quarter at Lambeau Field. The play was originally ruled an incomplete pass, but the call was overturned. Despite TeSlaa's effort, the Packers won the game 27-13.
BRONCOS:Bo Nix was booed. Now he's helping lead Denver's playoff charge
When will RJ Harvey return?
The Broncos have not yet had their first practice of Week 16, so it's unclear for now whether Harvey will miss time. The rookie running back's status at Denver's Wednesday session – either as a non-participant, limited participant or full go at practice – will give a better indication of his Week 16 status.
Harvey sustained a rib injury on his 19th and final carry against the Green Bay Packers on Dec. 14. The Broncos ruled him questionable to return to the game, but Harvey remained sidelined for the rest of the outing.
Denver did add another running back to its active roster on Dec. 15. The Broncos claimed Cody Schrader off of waivers from the Houston Texans, which could indicate that Denver was seeking extra running back depth for Week 16 (and perhaps beyond) in anticipation of Harvey missing time.
Until the Broncos release their first injury report of the week on Dec. 17, Harvey's status for Week 16's game against theJaguarswill remain murky.
CHIEFS VS BRONCOS:How to buy Christmas Day NFL tickets
RJ Harvey stats
Harvey has been one of the Broncos' biggest breakout players of 2025, as he's managed to lead the team in touchdowns through 15 weeks of his rookie season.
Here's a closer look at all of Harvey's numbers so far this year:
Carries: 110
Rushing yards: 419
Yards per carry: 3.8
Rushing touchdowns: 6
Targets: 43
Receptions: 37
Receiving yards: 247
Yards per reception: 6.7
Receiving touchdowns: 4
Harvey leads the Broncos in rushing touchdowns, is fourth on the team in receptions and sixth in receiving yards.
Broncos RB depth chart
RJ Harvey (questionable – ribs)
Jaleel McLaughlin
Tyler Badie
Cody Schrader
J.K. Dobbins (IR – foot)
NFL Media's Ian Rapoport reported in November that Dobbins, the Broncos' lead running back, is expected to miss the rest of the season after undergoing foot surgery. Dobbins has been on IR since Nov. 15 and could return in the playoffs.
Schrader is the most recent addition to the Broncos' running backs room, having joined the active roster on Dec. 15 after Denver claimed him on waivers from the Texans. Given his status as a newcomer, he'll most likely be more of a depth piece while McLaughlin and Badie split carries if Harvey misses Week 16.
This article originally appeared on USA TODAY:RJ Harvey injury update: Will Broncos RB play Week 16?
