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2026 NFL backfield

Denver Broncos running backs

The current roster, the published replacement plan and the production behind each player’s role.

The published backfield plan

Published starter

J.K. Dobbins

Preferred handcuff

RJ Harvey

Harvey is the listed RB2 behind Dobbins.

Committee uncertainty: an absence could spread work across several backs.

View J.K. Dobbins’s handcuff breakdown

Week 1 analysis published .

How the work could change

Denver’s Sept. 9 Week 1 depth chart lists J.K. Dobbins first, RJ Harvey second and Jonah Coleman third. Harvey is the direct replacement and already owns passing-game work.

Denver’s Sept. 9 Week 1 depth chart lists J.K. Dobbins first, RJ Harvey second and Jonah Coleman third. Harvey is the direct replacement and already owns passing-game work.

  • availability_unverified
  • stale_availability
  • role projection

The full backfield depth chart

Every running back and fullback assigned to Denver Broncos, including reserve and practice-squad entries. Chart order and replacement opportunity answer different questions: a passing-down specialist can sit ahead of the back most likely to inherit the carries.

Source: nflverse depth-chart feed · Feed dated Thu, Sep 10, 8:01 AM EDT. Equal ranks are ties. Unlisted backs are not assigned an invented rank. FB ranks are separate from RB ranks.

Denver Broncos full running back depth chart
Feed orderPlayerScouting roleDraft investmentRoster status
RB1
J.K. DobbinsPublished starter		Early-down runner2020 · Round 2 · Pick 55active
RB2
RJ HarveyPublished handcuff		Receiving back2025 · Round 2 · Pick 60active
RB3
Jonah Coleman		Early-down runner2026 · Round 4 · Pick 108active
RB4
Tyler Badie		Change-of-pace back2022 · Round 6 · Pick 196active
Unlisted
Adam Prentice		FullbackDraft history unavailablepractice squad
Unlisted
Cody Schrader		Role under reviewDraft history unavailablepractice squad

Every back: role, upside and obstacles

The player assessments below explain the skills that could earn work and the assignments that might go to someone else. Role labels describe scouting assessments; they are not confirmed snap shares. “Three-down” means a skill set for rushing and passing situations, not a guarantee of every down.

RB1 · Early-down runner

J.K. Dobbins

Age 27 · 7 years of NFL experience · active

Back to depth chart
Three-down outlook: Not establishedPass protection: Positive assessment
Saved scouting assessment — source review needed

Sean Payton's preferred early-down runner and still efficient when upright, but the single most fragile starter in the league — three catastrophic injuries and no 14-game season since 2020. Denver already plans a multi-back system and takes him off the field on passing downs.

Scouting assessment saved Thu, Sep 10, 5:29 PM EDT. Underlying citations lack publication dates; treat team-role and injury statements as historical notes pending review.

Path to more work

He is the starter in the dated board above. For fantasy purposes, the question is how much of the rushing and passing work he keeps when the whole room is available.

Why the work could go elsewhere

A starter can still lose third downs, short-yardage work or change-of-pace touches to specialists. His role assessment describes the skill set, not a guarantee that every assignment stays with him.

The saved assessment credits his pass protection, which can help a back earn passing-down trust. It does not guarantee a three-down assignment.

Draft investment

2020 · Round 2 · Pick 55

Drafted by BAL; not necessarily his current team.

Early-round investment is part of his prospect pedigree and may support a chance to develop. It does not guarantee the next workload, especially after a team change.

Draft record source

What the recorded workload tells us

In 2025, his 10 recorded games include 153 carries and 11 receptions on 14 targets. He has recorded work both on the ground and in the passing game; those totals alone do not establish pass-protection ability or a three-down role.

Confirm the latest game-day designation. General active-roster status does not certify that he will dress or receive work.

Player research sources

RB2 · Receiving back

RJ Harvey

Age 25 · 2 years of NFL experience · active

Back to depth chart
Three-down outlook: Capable in saved assessmentPass protection: Positive assessment
Saved scouting assessment — source review needed

Denver's designated third-down back per Sean Payton and one of the most productive receiving backs in the league as a rookie (27% target rate on routes). Durable, already trusted in protection, and the obvious man to inherit a full workload the moment Dobbins breaks down — a premium handcuff.

Scouting assessment saved Thu, Sep 10, 5:29 PM EDT. Underlying citations lack publication dates; treat team-role and injury statements as historical notes pending review.

Path to more work

The dated board selects him as the preferred replacement behind J.K. Dobbins. That is a projection of the replacement role, not a promise that he gets every touch.

Ahead on the feed’s RB chart: J.K. Dobbins. Their roles and availability shape how much work could open up.

Why the work could go elsewhere

A receiving specialist can retain passing-down work without becoming the lead runner. A bigger rushing role could go to a different teammate even if this player appears higher on the chart.

The saved assessment credits his pass protection, which can help a back earn passing-down trust. It does not guarantee a three-down assignment.

Draft investment

2025 · Round 2 · Pick 60

Drafted by DEN; not necessarily his current team.

Early-round investment is part of his prospect pedigree and may support a chance to develop. It does not guarantee the next workload, especially after a team change.

Draft record source

What the recorded workload tells us

In 2025, his 17 recorded games include 146 carries and 47 receptions on 58 targets. He has recorded work both on the ground and in the passing game; those totals alone do not establish pass-protection ability or a three-down role.

Confirm the latest game-day designation. General active-roster status does not certify that he will dress or receive work.

Player research sources

RB3 · Early-down runner

Jonah Coleman

Age 23 · Rookie · active

Back to depth chart
Three-down outlook: Not establishedPass protection: Not established
Saved scouting assessment — source review needed

Fourth-round rookie and Denver's RB3, a compact, physical early-down runner. In line for real work if Dobbins misses time, but Payton's passing-down role belongs to Harvey and Coleman is unproven as a pro.

Scouting assessment saved Thu, Sep 10, 5:29 PM EDT. Underlying citations lack publication dates; treat team-role and injury statements as historical notes pending review.

Path to more work

His path begins with an opening behind J.K. Dobbins. The dated board currently prefers RJ Harvey for the lead replacement role. Being next on a depth chart would not by itself guarantee the carries, third downs and goal-line work.

Ahead on the feed’s RB chart: J.K. Dobbins, RJ Harvey. Their roles and availability shape how much work could open up.

Why the work could go elsewhere

An early-down profile offers a path to carries between the tackles. A receiving or protection specialist could still handle third downs, limiting a full-workload takeover.

Pass protection has not been established in the saved assessment. Missing information is not evidence that he cannot do it.

Draft investment

2026 · Round 4 · Pick 108

Drafted by DEN; not necessarily his current team.

A later-round selection describes his entry point. It does not rule out a lead role; demonstrated production and a trusted assignment matter more than draft position alone.

Draft record source

What the recorded workload tells us

No recorded NFL regular-season production is available in the two seasons shown. That is an evidence gap, not a zero or a judgment of his ability.

Confirm the latest game-day designation. General active-roster status does not certify that he will dress or receive work.

Player research sources

RB4 · Change-of-pace back

Tyler Badie

Age 26 · 3 years of NFL experience · active

Back to depth chart
Three-down outlook: Not establishedPass protection: Not established
Saved scouting assessment — source review needed

Small, quick fourth back who has mostly been practice-squad depth. Emergency option only in a room where Harvey and Coleman are ahead of him.

Scouting assessment saved Thu, Sep 10, 5:29 PM EDT. Underlying citations lack publication dates; treat team-role and injury statements as historical notes pending review.

Path to more work

His path begins with an opening behind J.K. Dobbins. The dated board currently prefers RJ Harvey for the lead replacement role. Being next on a depth chart would not by itself guarantee the carries, third downs and goal-line work.

Ahead on the feed’s RB chart: J.K. Dobbins, RJ Harvey, Jonah Coleman. Their roles and availability shape how much work could open up.

Why the work could go elsewhere

A change-of-pace role can create useful touches in a limited package. It does not automatically transfer to the starter’s workload; another back may fit the early-down or short-yardage assignment better.

Pass protection has not been established in the saved assessment. Missing information is not evidence that he cannot do it.

Draft investment

2022 · Round 6 · Pick 196

Drafted by BAL; not necessarily his current team.

A later-round selection describes his entry point. It does not rule out a lead role; demonstrated production and a trusted assignment matter more than draft position alone.

Draft record source

What the recorded workload tells us

In 2025, his 16 recorded games include 8 carries and 19 receptions on 31 targets. He has recorded work both on the ground and in the passing game; those totals alone do not establish pass-protection ability or a three-down role.

Confirm the latest game-day designation. General active-roster status does not certify that he will dress or receive work.

Player research sources

Unlisted · Fullback

Adam Prentice

Age 29 · 6 years of NFL experience · practice squad

Back to depth chart
Three-down outlook: Not establishedPass protection: Not established

Adam Prentice is a six-year veteran listed by DEN at FB, from South Carolina. The official roster lists him at 6-0 and 245 pounds.

Research checked Fri, Sep 11, 12:01 PM EDT. Undated biographies support background facts, not a current workload promise.

Path to more work

His rostered path is through fullback depth, blocking and special teams. Any ball-carrying or receiving work would depend on an active-roster elevation and a team-specific game plan.

Why the work could go elsewhere

The official roster verifies his current reserve placement and basic background but does not establish backfield rank, pass protection, a three-down role or a projected touch share.

Pass protection has not been established in the saved assessment. Missing information is not evidence that he cannot do it.

Draft investment

Draft history unavailable

A verified draft record is not available here. Missing data does not mean he went undrafted.

Draft record source

What the recorded workload tells us

No recorded NFL regular-season production is available in the two seasons shown. That is an evidence gap, not a zero or a judgment of his ability.

His roster feed status is practice squad. He needs the relevant roster or availability change before this becomes an immediate pickup opportunity.

Player research sources

Unlisted · Role under review

Cody Schrader

Age 27 · 3 years of NFL experience · practice squad

Back to depth chart
Three-down outlook: Not establishedPass protection: Not established

Cody Schrader is a third-year player listed by DEN at RB, from Missouri. The official roster lists him at 5-9 and 214 pounds.

Research checked Fri, Sep 11, 12:01 PM EDT. Undated biographies support background facts, not a current workload promise.

Path to more work

A practice-squad place keeps him available for development and possible elevation. Any offensive work would depend on an active-roster opening and a team decision to use him in the backfield.

Why the work could go elsewhere

The official roster verifies his current reserve placement and basic background but does not establish backfield rank, pass protection, a three-down role or a projected touch share.

Pass protection has not been established in the saved assessment. Missing information is not evidence that he cannot do it.

Draft investment

Draft history unavailable

A verified draft record is not available here. Missing data does not mean he went undrafted.

Draft record source

What the recorded workload tells us

No recorded NFL regular-season production is available in the two seasons shown. That is an evidence gap, not a zero or a judgment of his ability.

His roster feed status is practice squad. He needs the relevant roster or availability change before this becomes an immediate pickup opportunity.

Player research sources

The production behind the names

2025 regular season. Recorded production, not a projection. A missing stat line is not a zero.

Player comparison for the 2025 regular season
PlayerGames with statsCarriesReceptionsTotal yardsPPR / game
J.K. Dobbins
101531180911.6
RJ Harvey
171464789612.2
Adam Prentice
—————
Cody Schrader
—————
Jonah Coleman
—————
Tyler Badie
168191642.2
J.K. Dobbins: recent touches

Carries + receptions, last 6 recorded games in 2025

Wk 521 touches
Wk 614 touches
Wk 715 touches
Wk 817 touches
Wk 916 touches
Wk 1019 touches
RJ Harvey: recent touches

Carries + receptions, last 6 recorded games in 2025

Wk 1316 touches
Wk 1423 touches
Wk 1519 touches
Wk 1611 touches
Wk 1719 touches
Wk 1816 touches
Tyler Badie: recent touches

Carries + receptions, last 6 recorded games in 2025

Wk 133 touches
Wk 145 touches
Wk 151 touches
Wk 161 touches
Wk 170 touches
Wk 184 touches

Totals include all teams played for that season. Per-game averages use games with recorded stats. Source: nflverse player statistics.

Evidence behind the backfield analysis

Compare your next bench move

A handcuff is an opportunity to hold, not a projected starter for this week. Compare the room with other teams, then choose a game window that fits your league’s rules.

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