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How the Broncos’ running back competition is shaping up through two preseason games

By Tyler King August 16, 2025 | updated 15 hours ago

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Broncos running back RJ Harvey is congratulated after a touchdown against the the Cardinals in the first quarter of a preseason game at Empower Field at Mile High on Saturday, Aug. 16.

Jerilee Bennett, The Gazette

There are six running backs for probably four roster spots and, with two locks to make the 53-man roster, it’s really four players for two spots.

Broncos coach Sean Payton said he would switch up the order in which the other five running backs appeared in Saturday’s 27-7 win over the Cardinals at Mile High, but it was largely the same as the preseason opener in San Francisco.

Here’s a breakdown of how each of the Denver running backs (not counting Dobbins, who played sparingly and did not have a carry against the 49ers) have performed through two preseason games:

RJ Harvey

The second-round pick out of Central Florida unsurprisingly got the start again, and it only took a couple of plays to find the end zone for the first time in his NFL career.

The Broncos went right down the field on their opening possession, covering 97 yards on just four plays and Harvey bookended it with a 2-yard catch and an 8-yard run straight into the teeth of the defense that resulted in a score.

Harvey played the rest of the first quarter before making way to those seemingly behind him on the depth chart and finished with three carries for 18 yards and one catch for 2 yards. He’s up to 43 rushing yards and 6 receiving yards so far in the preseason.

Tyler Badie

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Broncos running back Tyler Badie catches the ball near the goal while being defended by Cardinals linebacker Mykal Walker in the second quarter of a preseason game at Empower Field at Mile High on Saturday, Aug. 16.

Jerilee Bennett, The Gazette

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Broncos running back Tyler Badie catches the ball near the goal while being defended by Cardinals linebacker Mykal Walker in the second quarter of a preseason game at Empower Field at Mile High on Saturday, Aug. 16.



Jerilee Bennett, The Gazette


After leading the running backs in rushing yards a week ago, Badie was the first man up after Harvey on Saturday night. The fourth-year player out of Missouri, who appeared in three games last season, appeared exclusively in the first half and showed some juice in the passing game, catching two passes for 16 yards to go with his four carries for 14 yards.

Badie is up to 46 rushing yards and 25 receiving yards in the preseason.

Jaleel McLaughlin

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One of Payton’s favorites had the play of the game among the running backs against the Cardinals, bouncing outside for a 35-yard carry up to the 10-yard line on the third touchdown drive of the first half.

After appearing in 33 games the past two seasons, McLaughlin has clearly earned the trust of the head coach and, at this point, appears to be battling with Badie for the few reps that will come after Dobbins and Harvey.

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Broncos running back Jaleel McLaughlin runs for a first down in the second quarter of a preseason game at Empower Field at Mile High on Saturday, Aug. 16.

Jerilee Bennett, The Gazette

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Broncos running back Jaleel McLaughlin runs for a first down in the second quarter of a preseason game at Empower Field at Mile High on Saturday, Aug. 16.



Jerilee Bennett, The Gazette


Despite only racking up 5 yards on three carries in San Francisco, McLaughlin only needed three carries to record a team-high 48 yards against Arizona.

Audric Estimé

Only a little over a year after being selected by the Broncos in the fifth round of the 2024 NFL draft, Estimé appears to be falling out of favor in the running back room.

The former Notre Dame standout was the last of the five at his position to get in the game on Saturday night and didn’t overwhelm with his nine carries, finishing with 20 yards. He had more carries than any other Denver player a week ago but appeared to be moved aside in favor of the undrafted Blake Watson.

Blake Watson

Speaking of Watson, he continued to make a solid impression in this preseason, adding to his 28 yards (on four carries) from a week ago with 34 yards on 10 carries, as well as four catches for 19 yards.

After signing as an undrafted free agent out of Memphis, Watson appeared in two games as a practice squad elevation last season and could be headed for a similar spot off the active roster following the additions of Dobbins and Harvey to the room this year.

But he has certainly kept the competition open with his 62 rushing yards and 40 receiving yards so far this preseason.

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Tyler King

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