The Denver Broncos listed running back RJ Harvey and wide receiver Marvin Mims Jr. as non-participants on their initial Week 2 injury report ahead of Sunday’s home game against the Jacksonville Jaguars.
Denver did not hold a practice Wednesday after playing Monday night, so both designations are estimates of how Harvey and Mims would have participated if the Broncos had practiced. Harvey is dealing with a hamstring injury, while Mims is listed with a foot issue.
The estimated DNPs put two offensive roles under early scrutiny
Because Wednesday’s report was estimated, it should not be treated the same way as two players physically missing a full practice. The Broncos will have a clearer picture when they return to the field Thursday and can evaluate both players under normal practice conditions.
Still, the initial report is meaningful because Harvey and Mims both have roles that extend beyond a single offensive package. Harvey contributes in the backfield and in the passing game, while Mims has offensive and return responsibilities. If either player is limited this week, Denver may have to redistribute snaps in more than one phase.
Harvey handled three carries for 18 yards and caught four passes for 23 yards in Denver’s Week 1 loss at Kansas City, according to NBC Sports. He also returned four kickoffs. Mims handled two punt returns and entered the season as one of Denver’s primary return options.
Denver is coming off a short turnaround from Monday night
The schedule is part of the context. Denver played Kansas City on Monday night and is now preparing for Jacksonville on a shorter-than-normal week. That helps explain why the Broncos did not practice Wednesday and why the first report is based on estimated participation.
FSN’s recap of Kansas City’s 31-10 win over Denver showed the Broncos already have corrections to make after the opener. Adding injury questions at running back and wide receiver increases the importance of Thursday’s practice, when the coaching staff should get a more realistic measure of who can handle a normal workload.
The Broncos do have healthier options behind both players. J.K. Dobbins remains part of the backfield, and Denver has multiple receivers who can absorb routes if Mims is limited. The harder issue is replacing the combined offensive and return-game responsibilities without forcing too much onto one player.
Harvey’s hamstring status could affect the backfield rotation
Hamstring issues can be difficult to gauge early in a practice week because workload matters as much as simple availability. An estimated DNP does not establish that Harvey will miss Sunday, but it makes Thursday participation especially important.
If Harvey is able to practice in a limited or full capacity, Denver can begin rebuilding the normal backfield plan. If he remains out, the Broncos would have to consider a larger rushing and receiving workload for the other backs while also replacing his kickoff-return work.
The team has not assigned Harvey a game designation, and none is expected until later in the week. The key point is that his status has moved from ordinary postgame recovery into the formal Week 2 injury-report process.
Mims’ foot issue is another situation to monitor
Mims was also estimated as a non-participant because of a foot injury. He dealt with a foot issue late in the preseason, was cleared for Week 1 and returned to action, so the Broncos will want to determine whether this week’s listing is simply part of postgame management or a sign that the area needs more rest.
Denver’s return units make that question more important. Mims has been one of the team’s primary punt-return options, and his speed also gives the offense a field-stretching element even when his weekly target volume varies.
If Mims cannot practice Thursday, the Broncos will have to begin preparing alternatives in the return game while also deciding how to distribute receiver snaps. If he returns to practice, Wednesday’s estimated DNP may end up being little more than an early-week precaution.
What to watch next
Thursday’s report is the first major checkpoint because it should reflect actual practice participation rather than an estimate. Improvement from either Harvey or Mims would reduce concern, while another DNP would make Friday’s game-status report much more significant.
For now, Denver has two offensive skill players to monitor but no final Week 2 ruling on either one. The Broncos host Jacksonville on Sunday, giving both players several days to progress before availability decisions are made.
Sources
- Denver Broncos: Harvey and Mims estimated as non-participants ahead of Week 2 (September 16, 2026)
- NBC Sports: RJ Harvey, Marvin Mims listed as out of practice Wednesday (September 16, 2026)