Broncos’ Jonah Coleman could see bigger workload against Chiefs with RJ Harvey out

Jonah Coleman’s voice is among the softest in the Broncos’ locker room, a deep, quiet tone that can be difficult to hear in the back of the crowd.

Those crowds will only grow larger if the rookie running back replicates his early-season success in front of a national audience Sunday afternoon.

Coleman is set to play the biggest role of his NFL career against the Kansas City Chiefs, who are tied for the best record in the NFL, lead the AFC West, and have allowed only two teams to rush for more than 100 yards this season.

Standing at his locker after Friday’s Broncos practice, the rookie didn’t seem concerned.

“It’s definitely going to feel good to play against the Chiefs. Obviously, they’re No. 1 in the division, and that’s where we want to be,” Coleman said.

The Broncos will need him to feel good against Kansas City, especially after they ruled out RJ Harvey with a knee injury for Sunday’s game. Coleman and J.K. Dobbins are the only two running backs left on the 53-man roster, though practice squad back Cody Schrader could be elevated to replace Harvey.

“I’m ready for any opportunity I’m given. Whenever I’m out there on the field, I’m going to give the team my all,” Coleman said.

Last week, Coleman played half of the Broncos’ snaps at running back in his first game back from an ankle injury. He converted nine carries into 54 yards (6 yards per carry) and added two catches for 15 yards. After Sunday’s game, he said he thought he could have played the week after hurting his ankle against the Jacksonville Jaguars, but the team decided to place him on injured reserve.

Missing those four games “sucked,” he said. Coleman, who said he’s missed only one game in his career (he sat out Washington’s game against Purdue with a lower-body injury), was eager to start practicing again.

But the Broncos’ training staff and coaches helped him through his rehabilitation and kept him engaged during his four-game absence.

“When you’ve got your family supporting you and pushing you, you’ll do anything,” Coleman said.

Part of that family is Dobbins.

On Wednesday, Dobbins said his reduced role and Coleman’s increased playing time were part of a plan to keep Dobbins healthy through the regular season and into the postseason. The 27-year-old running back also said he’s happy to see Coleman and Harvey play well.

“I’m always there to coach my young guys. Like, I’ve said this from the beginning, RJ is my rookie, and then we got another rookie in Jonah. I’m coaching them to make their plays because I want to see them succeed,” Dobbins said.

Coleman praised the veteran running back the next day.

Jonah Coleman on his relationship with J.K. Dobbins

“Since the beginning I told you guys it was going to be a 3-headed monster,” Coleman said.

“I tell you guys good things about J.K. every time you guys talk to me,” Coleman said. “Since the beginning, I’ve told you guys it’s going to be a three-headed monster … He wants to see us succeed. That’s what makes our running back room special. Everyone wants to see each other win.”

For Coleman, Sunday’s another chance to show what he can add to that room. He might soon be leading it.