Broncos tailback RJ Harvey figures to play bigger role against Chiefs with J.K. Dobbins out

ENGLEWOOD, Colo. (AP) — So far this season, Broncos rookie running back RJ Harvey has pretty much been making more of an impact with his pass catching than his ball carrying.

That could change Sunday when Harvey figures to play an even bigger role against the Kansas City Chiefs after the Broncos ruled out tailback J.K. Dobbins with a left foot injury. Also missing for Denver (8-2) will be AP defensive player of the year Pat Surtain II (strained pectoral) and leading tackler Alex Singleton, who is recovering from surgery to remove a cancerous testicular tumor. Outside linebacker Jonah Elliss (hamstring) and tight end Nate Adkins (knee) will be sidelined as well.

Harvey’s ready for his number to be called early and often.

“The game, I feel like, it slowed down a lot for me,” said Harvey, a second-round pick out of Central Florida. “When I first got here, things were moving quick, moving fast. I definitely feel more comfortable.”

Harvey has 50 carries for 214 yards and two scores this season. He also has caught 25 passes for 175 yards and four TDs.

“Definitely excited to showcase my running ability,” Harvey said. “Whatever coach wants me to do, I’m willing to do on the field and help my team the best way possible.”

Harvey's most productive game this season was against Dallas, when he had two rushing TDs and another on a reception. His high-carry contest was 14 (for 58 yards) in a win over Cincinnati. He plays around 30% of the offensive snaps, while Dobbins hovers just over 50%.

“He’s just a guy that’s growing right before our eyes,” Broncos offensive coordinator Joe Lombardi said of Harvey. “If his workload increases, we’re going to see his production increase and be real excited about it.”

The Broncos enter the contest leading the AFC West as they try to dethrone the Chiefs (5-4), who've won nine straight division crowns. Broncos coach Sean Payton is hoping Empower Field at Mile High is extra loud for Patrick Mahomes and the Chiefs offense. Maybe even to the point where Mahomes needs to cover the ear holes of his helmet with his hands to hear better.

“It means things are going pretty good,” Payton said of that scenario. “The crowd noise is super-important with pass rush on third down. It doesn’t just have to be third down. When they’re in the huddle, it would surprise you how hard it is."

AP NFL: https://apnews.com/hub/NFL

Denver Broncos running back RJ Harvey (12) catches a touchdown pass as Houston Texans' M.J. Stewart (29) defends in the second half of an NFL football game Sunday, Nov. 2, 2025, in Houston. (AP Photo/Eric Gay)

Las Vegas Raiders linebacker Jamal Adams (33) tackles Denver Broncos running back RJ Harvey (12) during the first half of an NFL football game Thursday, Nov. 6, 2025, in Denver. (AP Photo/Jack Dempsey)

SEATTLE (AP) — Max Fried permitted only three singles in seven sparkling innings, Giancarlo Stanton drove in two runs and the New York Yankees beat the Seattle Mariners 5-0 on Tuesday night.

Stanton became the fourth player in Yankees history with multiple hits in each of the team’s first five games of a season, joining Alfonso Soriano (2003), Bill Skowron (1956) and Bob Meusel (1928).

The 36-year-old slugger put New York up 2-0 in the first with an RBI single after Ben Rice’s run-scoring double off starter Logan Gilbert (1-1).

In the sixth, Stanton ripped an RBI double to make it 4-0. It was part of a three-run inning, as Trent Grisham scored on a throwing error by catcher Cal Raleigh, and Jazz Chisholm Jr. added an RBI single.

Fried (2-0) was brilliant in winning his career-high eighth straight regular-season start dating to Aug. 27, 2025. The left-hander has not given up a run in 13 1/3 innings this season. He tossed 6 1/3 innings of two-hit ball in a win at San Francisco on opening night last Wednesday.

Josh Naylor snapped an 0-for-20 skid to start the season with a single for Seattle in the fourth. Julio Rodríguez and Brendan Donovan both singled in the seventh off Fried, who threw 60 of his 90 pitches for strikes.

Brent Headrick and Tim Hill each worked an inning to finish the four-hitter as the Mariners were held without an extra-base hit.

In their first day game this season, the Mariners will start RHP George Kirby (1-0) against RHP Cam Schlittler (1-0) in the finale of the three-game series Wednesday.

AP MLB: https://apnews.com/mlb

New York Yankees starting pitcher Max Fried reacts after a center fielder Trent Grisham caught a long line drive from Seattle Mariners' Randy Arozarena for an out during the second inning of a baseball game, Tuesday, March 31, 2026, in Seattle. (AP Photo/Lindsey Wasson)

Seattle Mariners starting pitcher Logan Gilbert throws against the New York Yankees during the fourth inning of a baseball game, Tuesday, March 31, 2026, in Seattle. (AP Photo/Lindsey Wasson)

Seattle Mariners' Cal Raleigh walks to the dugout after striking out against the New York Yankees during the first inning of a baseball game, Tuesday, March 31, 2026, in Seattle. (AP Photo/Lindsey Wasson)

New York Yankees designated hitter Giancarlo Stanton reacts after hitting an RBI single against the Seattle Mariners during the first inning of a baseball game, Tuesday, March 31, 2026, in Seattle. (AP Photo/Lindsey Wasson)

New York Yankees starting pitcher Max Fried throws against the Seattle Mariners during the fourth inning of a baseball game, Tuesday, March 31, 2026, in Seattle. (AP Photo/Lindsey Wasson)