Broncos Lose Harvey and Hufanga for Sunday's Clash with Chiefs

The Denver Broncos will start Sunday's game against the Kansas City Chiefs without running back RJ Harvey and safety Talanoa Hufanga. Both players were ruled out on Friday. This leaves the team managing a roster where four other foundational players remain questionable. Head coach Sean Payton confirmed the status of these key contributors as the team prepares for the AFC West showdown.

Harvey suffered a knee injury during Thursday's practice. Hufanga is missing his third consecutive game due to an ankle injury sustained on October 11 against the Los Angeles Chargers. The Broncos have also listed defensive tackle Zach Allen, wide receiver Jaylen Waddle, left tackle Garett Bolles, and safety Brandon Jones as questionable. All four of these players participated in Friday's practice in a limited capacity. Allen and Waddle were hurt in the fourth quarter of last week's win in Arizona, while Jones missed Thursday's session with a hamstring issue.

All-Pro cornerback Pat Surtain II is cleared to play, having been removed from the injury report after dealing with an ankle concern. This is a positive development for Denver ahead of facing the Chiefs. The team will rely on rookie Jonah Coleman and veteran J.K. Dobbins in the backfield, as Tyler Badie remains on injured reserve with a thumb issue. Cody Schrader is likely to be promoted from the practice squad to bolster the depth chart.

Payton addressed the backfield dynamics on Friday, noting that the team considers the length of the season and player health when assigning snaps. He stated that the room is deep and that Dobbins is performing well. Coleman said he is ready for any opportunity he is given and intends to give his all on the field. The coaching staff indicated that they like the current burst and speed metrics in the group.

The absence of Hufanga has required the Broncos to elevate veteran Taylor Rapp from the practice squad for the third time this season. Rapp has filled in over the past two weeks and will likely remain on the active roster unless he is promoted to the 53-man roster before Sunday. Hufanga was present at Friday's practice for the first time since his injury but did not participate in drills.

On the Kansas City side, cornerback L'Jarius Sneed was ruled out with a knee injury on Friday. Two rookie defenders, cornerback Mansoor Delane and edge rusher R Mason Thomas, are listed as questionable. Delane has not practiced in the past two days due to a shoulder injury, while Thomas is dealing with a personal matter. Star receiver Rashee Rice is cleared to play after missing the previous two games with hamstring and knee issues.

The Broncos face the Chiefs on Sunday at home. They will then travel to play Carolina the following weekend before entering their bye week. This schedule context is relevant to Harvey's recovery timeline, as he would need a longer absence to qualify for injured reserve status under current NFL rules.