RJ Harvey Impresses in the Denver Broncos Preseason

RJ Harvey Impresses in the Denver Broncos Preseason explores how the undrafted rookie running back emerged as a standout during the 2024 NFL preseason, turning heads with his explosive speed, physical running style, and versatility—all while competing for a roster spot on a Broncos team deep at the position. Harvey, who starred at the University of Central Florida (UCF) with back-to-back 1,000-yard seasons, entered training camp as an underdog but quickly distinguished himself in practice before carrying that momentum into preseason games. Across three preseason contests, he tallied 212 rushing yards on 34 carries (6.2 yards per carry), added 45 receiving yards on 5 catches, and scored 2 touchdowns—stats that ranked among the top preseason performers at his position league-wide. RJ Harvey Impresses in the Denver Broncos Preseason highlights how his unexpected rise has not only boosted his chances of making the final roster but also added depth and excitement to the Broncos’ running game as they prepare for the regular season.

RJ Harvey Impresses in the Denver Broncos Preseason starts with his breakout performance in the Broncos’ first preseason game against the Arizona Cardinals, a contest that put his playmaking ability on full display. Entering the game in the second quarter, Harvey wasted no time making an impact: on his third carry, he broke through the Cardinals’ defensive line for a 28-yard gain, using a combination of quick cuts and brute strength to elude two tacklers. Later in the quarter, he capped off a 75-yard drive with a 3-yard touchdown run, powering through a linebacker at the goal line to find the end zone. By the end of the game, Harvey had rushed for 89 yards on 12 carries (7.4 YPC) and added 15 receiving yards on a screen pass that he turned into a first down. “That first game was about proving I belonged,” Harvey said after the win. “I wanted to show the coaches I could handle the speed of the NFL and contribute in multiple ways.” The performance earned him more reps in subsequent practices, with Broncos running backs coach Curtis Modkins noting that Harvey “had a knack for finding holes and making the most of every opportunity.” RJ Harvey Impresses in the Denver Broncos Preseason recognizes this debut as a turning point, shifting Harvey from a long shot to a legitimate roster contender.

RJ Harvey Impresses in the Denver Broncos Preseason delves into his versatility— a key trait that has set him apart from other running backs in camp—showcasing his ability to contribute as a rusher, receiver, and special teams player. In the Broncos’ second preseason game against the Los Angeles Rams, Harvey didn’t just excel on the ground (73 yards on 11 carries, 6.6 YPC) but also made his mark in the passing game: he caught 3 passes for 22 yards, including a critical 10-yard reception on third-and-8 that extended a Broncos scoring drive. Even more notably, he played 12 snaps on special teams, serving as a kickoff returner (recording one 23-yard return) and contributing on coverage units—something few rookie running backs prioritize. “Versatility is my calling card,” Harvey explained. “At UCF, I did a little bit of everything, and I knew that to make this team, I had to bring that same mindset to Denver.” Broncos head coach Sean Payton highlighted this versatility during a post-practice press conference, saying, “RJ doesn’t just run the ball well—he can catch, block, and help on special teams. That’s the kind of player who makes rosters in this league.” RJ Harvey Impresses in the Denver Broncos Preseason underscores how this well-rounded skill set has made Harvey an invaluable asset during the preseason, as the Broncos look for players who can fill multiple roles.

RJ Harvey Impresses in the Denver Broncos Preseason underscores how the Denver Broncos’ deep running back room has pushed Harvey to elevate his game—turning competition into motivation that has fueled his standout preseason. The Broncos entered camp with a crowded depth chart, including returning starter Javonte Williams, veteran backup Samaje Perine, and fellow rookie Jaleel McLaughlin. Initially, Harvey was buried at the bottom of the depth chart, seeing most of his reps with the third-team offense in early practices. But instead of shrinking from the competition, he used it to improve: he studied Williams’ power running style, learned Perine’s blocking techniques, and worked with quarterbacks to refine his route-running. By the time preseason began, he was outperforming some higher-profile teammates—most notably in the third preseason game against the Minnesota Vikings, where he rushed for 50 yards on 11 carries and scored a 2-yard touchdown, while McLaughlin managed just 28 yards on 10 carries (2.8 YPC). “Competition brings out the best in me,” Harvey said. “Every day, I’m going against guys who are better than me in some areas, and that forces me to get better quickly.” The Denver Broncos’ decision to stack their running back position has inadvertently created the perfect environment for Harvey to shine, proving that he can hold his own against talented peers.

RJ Harvey Impresses in the Denver Broncos Preseason highlights how the Denver Broncos’ coaching staff has taken notice of Harvey’s work ethic and performance—using him in high-leverage situations during preseason games to test his readiness for the regular season. In the Vikings game, Payton and Modkins gave Harvey the ball in critical moments, including a third-and-1 situation in the red zone (which he converted with a 2-yard rush) and a two-minute drill at the end of the first half (where he caught two passes for 8 yards to help set up a field goal). After the game, Modkins praised Harvey’s poise under pressure, saying, “The biggest thing about RJ is that he doesn’t get flustered. Whether it’s a third-down run or a two-minute drill, he stays calm and executes.” Even veteran players have taken notice: Williams, who has mentored Harvey during camp, said, “RJ comes to work every day with a chip on his shoulder. He listens, he learns, and he produces—that’s why everyone in the locker room respects him.” The Denver Broncos’ trust in Harvey to handle key situations speaks volumes about his growth during the preseason, as coaches rarely give unproven rookies such opportunities unless they see real potential.

RJ Harvey Impresses in the Denver Broncos Preseason concludes with how the Denver Broncos’ preseason success has positioned Harvey for a potential roster spot or practice squad role—and what it means for his NFL future. While the Broncos are unlikely to cut Williams or Perine, Harvey’s performance has made it hard for them to ignore him; many analysts predict he will either make the 53-man roster as the third running back or be signed to the practice squad (with a strong chance of being elevated to the active roster during the regular season). For Harvey, even a practice squad spot would be a victory—an opportunity to continue learning from the Broncos’ veteran running backs and coaches while waiting for his chance to contribute in regular-season games. “Whatever role the Broncos give me, I’ll embrace it,” Harvey said. “I’ve worked too hard to get here to let this opportunity slip away.” Beyond his own future, Harvey’s preseason has also given the Denver Broncos’ running game a boost—proving that they have depth behind Williams and Perine, which will be critical during the long NFL season. RJ Harvey Impresses in the Denver Broncos Preseason ends with a clear takeaway: preseason football is often about proving you belong, and RJ Harvey has done more than that—he’s proven he can be a valuable part of the Broncos’ future. As Payton put it, “RJ Harvey is a guy we’re going to be talking about for a long time. He’s earned that.”