Bo Nix on Broncos' running backs: 'They are going to do just fine'

After placing starting running back J.K. Dobbins on injured reserve with a foot injury, the Denver Broncos struggled on the ground against the Kansas City Chiefs in Week 11.

Fill-in starter RJ Harvey rushed 11 times for 30 yards (an average of 2.7 yards per carry) and Jaleel McLaughlin had six carries for 19 yards (3.2 YPC). As a team, Denver averaged 2.8 YPC against KC. Despite that underwhelming production, quarterback Bo Nix was full of praise for the backfield following a 22-19 win.

“There was no flinch from that group," Nix said of the running back room. "I felt all week those guys were locked in, ready to roll. When you are picking up a guy like Jaleel and he’s the one filling in when you’ve played so much time with him. He’s just done an incredible job as a team player, working his way through the season, knowing his moment is going to show up, not complaining one time. I’m sure he was battling thoughts between his ears, but at the same time, he never showed it. He showed up to work every day. He’s given us a great look for the defense. He gives us great explosiveness when he’s helping us offensively, and then he scores a touchdown when he gets the call. RJ does a great job just playing his game, playing his role, not having to worry about [it] too much, just be RJ, you just get the ball, you make guys miss and go score. Then ‘T.B.’ (Tyler Badie) has done a great job all year on third down."

Overall, Harvey has rushed 61 times for 244 yards and two touchdowns this season while adding 28 receptions for 195 yards and four more scores. He's averaging 4.9 yards per touch, which is the same average Dobbins had before his injury. The Broncos' offense will obviously miss Dobbins, but Nix is confident the group is up to the task.

"So those guys have done really well, especially this week when they’ve had a tough week, lose a critical player like J.K., lose a leader in J.K., but also they have good camaraderie in that room as well," Nix said. "They are all young, which is exciting, and I know they are going to do just fine.”

It's worth noting that the Chiefs have the ninth-best run defense in the NFL. Harvey and Co. will have an easier matchup (on paper) in Week 13 when they face the Washington Commanders, who are allowing 137.5 rushing yards per game (sixth-worst in the NFL going into Week 12). There should be brighter days ahead for the backfield.

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This article originally appeared on Broncos Wire: NFL: Bo Nix says Broncos' running backs will do 'just fine'