Broncos Rookie Steps Up for Chiefs

Jonah Coleman is set to carry the Denver Broncos' rushing attack on Sunday, a massive increase in workload driven by the injury to RJ Harvey. The rookie will face the Kansas City Chiefs, a team that has allowed only two opponents to gain more than 100 rushing yards this season.

The Broncos ruled out Harvey on Friday with a knee injury. With Dobbins and Coleman as the only remaining starters on the 53-man roster, the team may elevate practice squad back Cody Schrader to fill the spot. Coleman, who returned from an ankle injury last week, played half of the team's snaps at running back in his first game back. He gained 54 yards on nine carries and caught two passes for 15 yards.

Coleman missed four games due to his ankle, a span he described as difficult. He said the Broncos' training staff and coaches supported him during the rehabilitation process. "When you've got your family supporting you and pushing you, you'll do anything," Coleman said. He noted that he has missed only one other game in his career, sitting out a college contest against Purdue with a lower-body injury.

Veteran J.K. Dobbins said on Wednesday that the reduced role was a plan to keep him healthy for the postseason. The 27-year-old running back expressed happiness for the younger players. "I'm always there to coach my young guys.. I'm coaching them to make their plays because I want to see them succeed," Dobbins said.

Coleman praised Dobbins the following day, describing the unit as a "three-headed monster." He said he tells reporters good things about Dobbins every time they speak. "He wants to see us succeed. That's what makes our running back room special. Everyone wants to see each other win," Coleman said.

Coleman acknowledged the Chiefs are number one in the division and the Broncos aim to be there too. "It's definitely going to feel good to play against the Chiefs," he said. "Obviously, they're No. 1 in the division, and that's where we want to be."

The Broncos face the Chiefs on Sunday afternoon. Coleman said he is ready for any opportunity given and will give the team his all whenever he is on the field. The Chiefs lead the AFC West and are tied for the best record in the NFL.