Broncos Evaluated Three Free-Agent Running Backs

The Denver Broncos brought in three free agents for workouts amid injuries to their current running back corps.

Updated on Sept. 22, 2026 in Football

Broncos Evaluated Three Free-Agent Running Backs

Live Poll

Do you feel confident in your team's depth when primary players face recurring injuries?

The Denver Broncos conducted workouts for running backs Marcus Yarns, Sam Scott, and Jaden Nixon on Tuesday. The team is currently assessing depth options as they manage injuries within their backfield.

Why it matters

The tryouts follow recent setbacks at the position, including leg cramps for J.K. Dobbins and a hamstring injury that kept RJ Harvey sidelined. These depth maneuvers are critical as the team prepares for their upcoming Sunday matchup.

Marcus Yarns, one of the three prospects, finished his college career with 2,344 rushing yards on 365 carries. He also recorded 6.4 yards per carry, 23 rushing touchdowns, and 11 receiving touchdowns.

The players

Denver Broncos

The Denver Broncos are a professional football franchise based in Denver competing in the National Football League.

Marcus Yarns

Marcus Yarns is a running back who played his collegiate football at Delaware.

J.K. Dobbins

J.K. Dobbins is a professional running back currently playing for the Denver Broncos.

RJ Harvey

RJ Harvey is a running back currently on the roster of the Denver Broncos.

Los Angeles Rams

The Los Angeles Rams are a professional football team in the National Football League based in California.

The details

The Broncos held the workouts following a series of health concerns involving current players. The team previously hosted Marcus Yarns for a tryout during Organized Team Activities in June 2026.

June 2026: Marcus Yarns visited the team for an earlier tryout.
September 20, 2026: RJ Harvey remained inactive during team activities.
September 21, 2026: The team held workouts for the three free-agent running backs.
September 23, 2026: The Broncos are scheduled to release their first Week 3 injury report.
September 27, 2026: The Broncos face the Los Angeles Rams.

Football
Sept. 18
Broncos Will Face Jaguars This Sunday
Football
Sept. 23
Broncos Listed Three Players as Limited in Practice
Football
Sept. 20
Broncos Secured First Win Against Jaguars

Season Trajectory

These workouts suggest the coaching staff is prioritizing depth to maintain their competitive position in the division. The ability to mitigate the impact of player injuries on the active roster will dictate the team's success as they approach the mid-season stretch.

The availability of players like RJ Harvey and J.K. Dobbins on the injury report will clarify the immediate rotation for the upcoming game against the Rams. These roster maneuvers impact the team's depth and are a primary indicator of backfield stability for the season.

The takeaway

Maintaining a robust list of available free agents is essential for teams navigating mid-season injury clusters. Coaches often rely on these depth assessments to ensure seamless transitions when primary players are forced to miss time.