The Denver Broncos are taking on the Los Angeles Chargers in their Week 5 matchup on Sunday evening. However, head coach Sean Payton’s decision not to play running back RJ Harvey left fans frustrated and disappointed.
Payton's decision triggers frustration among fans
Sean Payton’s decision not to play running back RJ Harvey left fans frustrated. (AP Photo)
{{^htLoading}} {{/htLoading}}
Payton did not put Harvey on the field initially, prompting concerns and questions among fans about the rookie’s fitness and whether he was dealing with an injury.
One fan asked, “IS RJ HARVEY HURT??? WHY IS HE NOT ON THE FIELD”
Deep Dive
Was RJ Harvey injured in the Broncos’ game against the Chargers?
The article does not report a confirmed injury during the game. Harvey eventually played, finishing the first half with two carries for six yards.
Why did Sean Payton use RJ Harvey in a limited role against the Chargers?
Payton started JK Dobbins and used Tyler Badie and Marvin Mims for rushing attempts before Harvey entered. The article does not give a specific reason for Harvey’s limited role.
How had RJ Harvey performed before the Broncos played the Chargers?
Harvey’s targets had risen across his three appearances, from four to seven to 10. He caught 20 of the 21 passes thrown his way; a hamstring injury had sidelined him against Jacksonville.
Powered ByAsk HT
Others questioned the decision, especially after Harvey delivered an impressive performance the previous week.
{{^htLoading}} {{/htLoading}}
{{^usCountry}}
“So RJ Harvey just isn’t playing after having 10 catches last week?” one user wrote.
{{/usCountry}}
{{#usCountry}}
“So RJ Harvey just isn’t playing after having 10 catches last week?” one user wrote.
{{/usCountry}}
Another fan added, “So now Sean Payton don’t wanna play RJ Harvey? Lol okay man”
Expressing further frustration over Harvey’s absence, one user asked, “Does RJ Harvey no longer exist?!?!?!"
One fan also questioned Payton’s decision to keep Harvey out of the game, tweeting, “Am I crazy or is RJ Harvey the best back Denver has yet they refuse to get him involved?”
Harvey’s limited first-half role
{{^htLoading}} {{/htLoading}}
Broncos head coach Sean Payton started JK Dobbins against the Chargers on Sunday, with RJ Harvey used in a rotational role.
With Sean Payton handling play-calling duties, Tyler Badie and Marvin Mims recorded rushing attempts before RJ Harvey got his opportunity. Harvey eventually entered the game and finishing the first half with two carries for six yards.
The 25-year-old running back has seen his targets increase in each of his three appearances, going from four to seven and then 10, while a hamstring injury sidelined him for the game against Jacksonville. He has caught 20 of the 21 passes thrown his way.
Ojas Jaiswal is a Content Producer at Hindustan Times, currently working with the US Desk, where he covers a wide spectrum of American sports and global news developments. From high-intensity NFL moments on the field to the latest off-court NBA storylines, he specializes in delivering engaging, audience-driven stories that blend factual accuracy with compelling narratives. A graduate in Journalism and Mass Communication from Bennett University, Ojas brings over two years of experience in digital journalism. Before joining Hindustan Times, he worked with EssentiallySports, a leading digital sports media platform catering to American sports audiences, where he contributed across multiple editorial and engagement-focused roles. He also interned with Times Network at the Sports Desk, producing articles and video content across diverse sports, ranging from Formula 1 to football. Known for his commitment to factual and accurate reporting, Ojas was awarded a Certificate of Excellence in Editing during his college years. Beyond sports journalism, he closely follows international affairs and global developments, while also exploring documentaries from different cultures and regions around the world. A lifelong football enthusiast, Ojas has admired Lionel Messi since childhood and continues to draw inspiration from the football icon’s journey and legacy.
Catch all the latest Sports News, scores, and highlights in one place. Stay updated with real-time coverage of your favorite games and athletes along with Lionel Messi latest updates.
Catch all the latest Sports News, scores, and highlights in one place. Stay updated with real-time coverage of your favorite games and athletes along with Lionel Messi latest updates.
Home/Sports/Us Sports/Is RJ Harvey injured? Sean Payton faces criticism for not playing Broncos RB vs Chargers
{{^htLoading}}
Advertisement
{{/htLoading}}
SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON
{{#usCountry}}{{/usCountry}}
Notifications
Get breaking alerts directly from the newsroom
Notifications are on!You'll be notified when news breaks
