After a breakout rookie campaign, the Broncos running back is back at practice following a secret procedure. He now faces a fierce preseason battle to reclaim his backfield role.
Denver Broncos running back RJ Harvey underwent successful offseason surgery to repair a torn labrum in his shoulder, Luca Evans of The Denver Post reported on Monday evening.
Harvey suffered the injury in the AFC Championship Game on Jan. 25 against the New England Patriots. He quietly had surgery in the offseason to repair the torn labrum and has returned to action for OTAs.
The 25-year-old did not participate in many team activities, but did practice, which is a positive sign. Harvey is competing for the backup position with rookie Jonah Coleman after Denver re-signed J.K. Dobbins.
Denver's second-round pick in last year's draft had a breakout rookie season. He rushed for 540 yards and seven touchdowns on 146 carries, and became the team's lead running back while Dobbins was injured.
Harvey also hauled in 47 receptions for 356 yards and five touchdowns, becoming another reliable receiver for quarterback Bo Nix. His production during his rookie year earned him two honors, despite not winning the NFL's Offensive Player of the Year or Offensive Rookie of the Year awards.
The Panini Senior Bowl named Harvey the AFC Rookie of the Year, and Yahoo! Sports named him the fantasy Rookie of the Year. Harvey's efforts did not go unnoticed for his stellar season.
However, the former UCF Knight has to compete for the same role he earned last year with Coleman. Harvey could likely have become the Broncos' lead running back, as Dobbins had a deal in place with the Jacksonville Jaguars, but he re-signed with the team.
Dobbins made a bold claim, promising he would not get injured next season. He held down the starting position for Denver before suffering a Lisfranc ligament tear last November against the Las Vegas Raiders.
His injury thrust Harvey into the starting role, which he performed to expectation and was crucial to the Broncos' AFC West division title run. Now, Harvey is back to where he began his career.
The torn labrum has put him behind schedule, but practicing suggests he's closer to a full return. It will be a tough competition for Harvey and Coleman, but his experience should help him win the battle.
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