The biggest question mark the Denver Broncos came into the 2026 season with was at the running back position. Between veterans J.K. Dobbins, RJ Harvey and rookie Jonah Coleman, it looked like it would be a three horse backfield. Since then, Coleman spent four weeks on IR, and now Harvey is spending his own stint on injured reserve.
Since returning from IR, it appears that that the Broncos have at least found out one thing: Coleman is the real deal. In Week 8, Coleman accounted for 104 total yards (41 rushing, 63 receiving) and a touchdown in the victory over the Kansas City Chiefs, leading many to believe Denver has found its top back.
Quarterback Bo Nix has been impressed with how Coleman has carried himself (pun intended).
"I think he’s playing
really well with confidence," Nix said. "He’s a very intelligent young running back. What sticks out the most is he can handle a lot. You can put a lot on his plate. After we learned that R.J. Harvey wasn’t going to paly last week, he got a little bit more of the bulk of R.J.’s stuff. It’s impressive to see him be able to be used in a lot of different ways. When he gets in there, he’s a natural runner. That’s what he’s drafted for. That’s the position he plays. It’s the out of the backfield stuff that I think is making a good impression on us right now.”
While it remains to be seen what role Coleman will play in the remaining weeks while Harvey rehabs from his injury, it's clear that whatever Coleman gets, he's earned.
The fourth-round pick's next opportunity to make his mark will come on Sunday when the Broncos travel to Charlotte, North Carolina, to take on the Panthers in Week 9. If he can make as big an impact as he did in Weeks 7 and 8, he can continue to be an explosive part of the offense moving forward.
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This article originally appeared on Broncos Wire: Bo Nix praises confident, intelligent Broncos RB Jonah Coleman
