Former Washington Huskies star Jonah Coleman didn't have the biggest impact in his NFL debut with the Denver Broncos. The fourth-round pick in April's draft tallied 27 yards on a kick return, his only touch in a 31-10 loss to the Kansas City Chiefs.
However, heading into a Week Two matchup with the Jacksonville Jaguars, Coleman looks primed to take on a much bigger role in coach Sean Payton's offense.
Earlier in the week, running back R.J. Harvey, who is Denver's primary pass catcher out of the backfield, suffered a hamstring injury that, according to ESPN's Adam Schefter, has left him unlikely to suit up. That opens up a big opportunity for Coleman, after Harvey took seven touches (3 carries and 4 receptions) against the Chiefs and was on the field for the majority
of Denver's third-down reps.
Coleman's ability as a pass protector earned him praise from Jedd Fisch's coaching staff during his two years on Montlake, and his ability to pick up the offense has impressed his coaching staff at the next level.
Broncos RB R.J. Harvey, listed as questionable for Sunday’s game vs. the Jaguars due to a hamstring injury, is unlikely to play, per source. pic.twitter.com/FuuvcZkIZl
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) September 20, 2026
"He's savvy, he's smart," Payton told Broncos team reporter Aric DiLalla of Coleman. "I've said this a number of times: You don't feel a young player. That's a real good trait. He's smart, he has real good contact balance—and so that lends itself to a little bit smoother transition than maybe some. We've been around successful players that maybe took a little longer when they arrived—and then some that arrived a little quicker."
While Coleman has made an early impression, he understands that he has a long way to go in his NFL career, and against the Jaguars, he could take the next step forward in his NFL journey.
"I've still got a long way to go," Coleman told DiLalla. "I'm still in my first year, so just still being a sponge and still being able to grow and know the areas that I want to grow in. I had one good preseason game, but I'm still chopping wood and trying to be the best teammate I can be."
This article originally appeared on Huskies Wire: Former Washington football star in line for big Week 2 role
