Why Broncos drafted RJ Harvey so high, then keep giving J.K. Dobbins the carries

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The Denver Broncos spent a high draft pick on running back RJ Harvey, taking him early in the second round.

But so far this season, you wouldn't have always known it.

The Broncos have slow-played Harvey's involvement in the offense at times, relying heavily on J.K. Dobbins in most games.

So far, Dobbins has 77 carries for 402 yards. Harvey has 31 runs for 150 yards.

Dobbins has rushed for four TDs, while Harvey has yet to find the end zone on the ground.

MORE: How Bo Nix's college journey set him up for Broncos success

Why is J.K. Dobbins playing more than RJ Harvey?

The Broncos specifically sought out Dobbins in free agency.

After some injury problems, Dobbins returned in 2024 to full health and had a strong year for the Los Angeles Chargers.

Denver felt Dobbins could be a workhorse in their offense, and so the Broncos brought him aboard.

It was never an indictment of Harvey, but rather an embrace of the modern NFL approach of having multiple RBs that can play at any time.

Dobbins is actually only two years older than Harvey, too, for whatever that's worth.

Harvey has seen more work of late, but not really at the expense of Dobbins and more like an additional focus of the Broncos' offense.

As long as Dobbins is healthy, it's safe to expect him to carry the ball early and often.

Anyone counting on Harvey to be their fantasy savior will likely just have to keep hoping something breaks his way.