Following lingering injury concerns that kept him sidelined throughout October, star wide receiver Rashee Rice has officially shed his injury designation and will suit up on Sunday afternoon.

Rice initially suffered a right hamstring strain—with minor knee discomfort also in the mix—during Kansas City’s Week 4 victory over the Las Vegas Raiders. After progressing through limited practice reps on Wednesday and Thursday, the WR was upgraded to a full practice participant on Friday clearing the final physical hurdle to play.

Rashee Rice finally returns with Chiefs

Rashee Rice carries no injury designation status and will play at wide receiver for the Kansas City Chiefs today against the Denver Broncos in Week 8. The return comes at an optimal time for head coach Andy Reid and quarterback Patrick Mahomes.

Kansas City enters Week 8 holding a 5-1 record atop the division, looking to rebound from a tough Week 7 loss in Seattle and complete a season sweep over Denver following their Week 1 victory.

Prior to his Week 4 injury, Rice established himself as Mahomes’ most targeted playmaker, leading the team in receptions and yards after the catch. His return unlocks key tactical advantages for the Chiefs against Denver’s secondary.

Rice excels at turning short underneath routes into explosive gains, giving Kansas City an immediate solution against Denver’s aggressive pass rush. With Rice back on the field, opposing defenses can no longer bracket Travis Kelce exclusively inside the 20-yard line, restoring Kansas City’s red-zone efficiency.

Key takeaways

• Rashee Rice has no injury designation and is expected to play today against the Denver Broncos.
• After managing a right hamstring strain since Week 4, Rice logged a full practice session on Friday to confirm his availability.
• At 5-1, Kansas City gets their top wide receiver back as they aim to solidify their lead in the AFC West standings.

“Jaylen Waddle, who has been dealing with a chest injury that he aggravated last week, is trending in the right direction to play, source says,” Ian Rapoport of NFL Network reported on his X account.

Since being traded from the Miami Dolphins to the Mile High City, Waddle hasn’t had the start to the 2026 NFL season many had hoped for, and his production with the Broncos has been quite limited. In Week 8, Waddle is trending toward suiting up and getting another shot at the Chiefs, against whom he had his worst game of the year in Week 1.

Waddle against the Chiefs

In his Broncos debut, Waddle mustered only one reception on three targets for a measly two-yard gain at Arrowhead. In Week 8, Waddle will hope to change the tune against Kansas City, as the Chiefs have been one tough nut to crack for the Alabama product.

Waddle has faced the Chiefs three times in his NFL career, yet he has never recorded more than 50 receiving yards against them or scored a touchdown. Considering he will face them twice every year and the Chiefs are the main obstacle standing in the way of the Broncos’ goal of winning the division, Waddle may want to find his footing and snap the drought against them.

Waddle’s projections for Week 8

Not only are Broncos fans worried about Waddle’s questionable status, but fantasy football owners are, too. After leaving Week 7’s game against the Arizona Cardinals with a chest injury, Waddle didn’t practice on Wednesday and was only a limited participant on Thursday and Friday, meaning he is questionable to play Sunday. However, reports around the NFL point to Waddle playing in Week 8. That means he’s expected to be the leading receiver in a Broncos offense that struggles dearly to move the chains through the air.

Still, Waddle is projected to put up 10.85 points (PPR), according to ESPN’s fantasy football app. Waddle hasn’t surpassed the 10-point mark in the last three weeks, though. He’s seen more targets than any other wideout in Denver, and it’s a matter of him catching the ball and gaining yards after the catch rather than getting the opportunities to shine.

Crucial game

As the 5-2 Broncos and 5-1 Chiefs meet in Colorado, the AFC West will see a pivotal matchup. Waddle, who’s trending toward playing, could be a decisive factor if he can end his rough stretch and deliver a vintage performance.

Key takeaways

• Jaylen Waddle is listed as questionable with a chest injury ahead of the Chiefs game.
• Jaylen Waddle had one reception for two yards in his Denver Broncos debut at Arrowhead.
• ESPN fantasy projects Jaylen Waddle for 10.85 points in PPR scoring for Week 8.

Losing a key playmaker could rapidly accelerate Denver’s aggressive push for Indianapolis Colts superstar Jonathan Taylor. The Broncos entered the Jonathan Taylor sweepstakes as Colts RB is also coveted by NY Giants. However, Denver now faces intense urgency to execute a blockbuster deal. It’s now or never.

Earlier reports indicated that the Giants all but ruled out Jonathan Taylor trade yet confirmed talks with Colts. With New York probably backing away, Denver possesses a golden opportunity to land the former All-Pro rusher, if they’re able to beat the Minnesota Vikings.

RJ Harvey’s injury in detail

Harvey suffered a significant knee injury during team practice on Thursday. The second-year back missed Friday’s workout entirely before the medical staff ruled him out against Kansas City.

Placing Harvey on injured reserve sidelines him for at least the next four games. He cannot return to the active roster until Week 13 against the Miami Dolphins.
His absence strips Denver of its most versatile receiving threat out of the backfield. Harvey currently ranks second on the roster with 25 receptions and 217 receiving yards.

Jonathan Taylor can solve all Denver RB problems

Denver’s ground game has stalled all season, averaging an anemic 3.8 yards per carry. While rookie Jonah Coleman flashes potential, leaning entirely on young runners remains a risky gamble for a playoff contender.

Acquiring Taylor would immediately give Payton an elite three-down bellcow. Taylor leads the NFL with eight rushing touchdowns and consistently produces explosive gains against loaded defensive fronts.

Key takeaways

• The Denver Broncos placed running back RJ Harvey on injured reserve Saturday afternoon.
• Running back RJ Harvey cannot return until Week 13 against the Miami Dolphins.
• Indianapolis Colts star Jonathan Taylor leads the NFL with eight rushing touchdowns.

Harvey popped up on Thursday’s injury report with knee soreness before missing Friday’s final workout completely. His absence vs Chiefs arrives during a critical stretch as Denver continues to navigate aggressive trade rumors for Indianapolis Colts superstar Jonathan Taylor.

Sean Payton must now alter his offensive backfield approach against a fierce division rival. Without Harvey available, Denver needs other contributors to step up while front-office trade talks develop in the background.

Harvey’s role is more of a pass-catching back

Payton utilizes Harvey primarily as an elusive, pass-catching specialist rather than a traditional between-the-tackles grinder. Through six games this season, Harvey has logged 25 receptions for 217 receiving yards and a touchdown on 28 targets. The running game also involves JK Dobbins, a veteran.

In contrast, he has handled only 24 rushing carries for 87 yards on the ground. His unique route-running ability creates quick separation on third downs, leaving a noticeable void for quarterback Bo Nix on passing downs.

Jonah Coleman should step as RB1 as Taylor’s situation develops

Rookie Jonah Coleman now has an open path to claim primary backfield duties against Kansas City. Coleman delivered a standout effort last week in Arizona, and is poised to get more and more touches as the weeks go by. That, of course, if nothing changes with the Jonathan Taylor situation.

His sudden emergence gives Payton a reliable downhill weapon who also ran routes on passing downs last Sunday. With Coleman commanding the backfield and trade discussions involving Taylor still looming, Denver will lean heavily on its rookie runner to anchor the offense.

Key takeaways

• RJ Harvey has been ruled out for Denver’s game against Kansas City.
• RJ Harvey recorded 25 receptions for 217 receiving yards through six games this season.
• Rookie Jonah Coleman steps into primary backfield duties for the Denver Broncos.

Per the information reported by James Palmer of NFL on Prime, Denver’s sudden pursuit creates immediate drama alongside New York. The NY Giants got major clues from Colts on Jonathan Taylor trade. However, recent rumblings that the Giants have a new interest in running back not named Taylor opened the door for Denver to strike.

Adding Taylor would instantly elevate Denver’s offensive ceiling for the playoff push. However, pulling off a deal requires outbidding persistent rivals like the Giants while navigating Taylor’s massive contract structure.

The Broncos are in desperate need for a player like Taylor

Denver’s ground attack has severely stalled throughout the 2026 NFL season. The Broncos average a poor 3.8 yards per carry while totaling just 664 rushing yards. Starting running back JK Dobbins has struggled to generate explosive plays, averaging a pedestrian 3.37 yards per attempt. He ranks 112th among 120 qualified backs in total EPA.

Those persistent backfield issues place excessive pressure on quarterback Bo Nix to carry the offense. Acquiring a premier three-down engine like Taylor would immediately solve Sean Payton’s short-yardage woes and bring blazing speed to the backfield.

The Broncos would likely have to send Jonah Coleman as part of the deal

Acquiring a marquee talent like Taylor will force Denver to sacrifice high-end young assets. To convince Indianapolis to move their offensive cornerstone, the Broncos would likely have to include rookie running back Jonah Coleman in trade packages.

Coleman flashed elite promise in Arizona, where he took over the backfield to push his season average to 4.9 yards per attempt. His bruising style and cheap contract offer the rebuilding Colts an ideal young successor for Taylor.

Key takeaways

• The Broncos have officially joined the trade sweepstakes for Jonathan Taylor.
• Denver averages 3.8 yards per carry with 664 rushing yards.
• The Colts would likely require to get rookie running back Jonah Coleman in trade packages.

“Jeremiyah Love (ankle) trying to get right after a high-ankle sprain, will miss another game this week. He’s been ruled out by coach Mike LaFleur,” as reported by Ian Rapoport of NFL Network.

Love sustained a high ankle sprain in Week 4, when the Cardinals were blown out by the Detroit Lions in a 45-21 rout. Then, Love was limited to 12 carries and managed just 22 yards on the ground. It’s been that kind of season so far for the rookie out of Notre Dame, who has yet to find his footing in Glendale. Against the Broncos, Love will be out with the ankle injury for a second straight game.

Love’s numbers in 2026

So far in the 2026 NFL season, Love has totaled 67 carries for 245 yards (an average of 3.7 yards per carry) and a touchdown. Love has also caught 11 passes for 36 yards and a touchdown.

He has yet to surpass the 100-yard rushing mark in a game this season, with his season (and career) best being his 90-yard rushing (109 total) outing against the San Francisco 49ers in Week 3.

Broncos face another team missing RB1

With the third overall pick in the 2026 NFL Draft ruled out for Sunday’s game against Denver, the Broncos will face yet another weakened running back room. In Week 6, the Broncos took down the Seattle Seahawks. Love’s fellow Fighting Irish teammate Jadarian Price didn’t play for the Seahawks against the Broncos. Neither did Zach Charbonnet.

Cardinals’ RB depth chart

With Love’s injury leaving Arizona’s No. 1 RB slot up for grabs, the Cards’ ground game will fall on the shoulders of Tyler Allgeier and Bam Knight. As it stands, James Conner remains on Injured Reserve (IR). During last week’s 18-16 win over the Rams, Knight made the most of his touches, even though Allgeier had the most carries.

Allgeier finished the day with 18 carries for 38 yards (an average of 2.1 yards per carry), as well as a catch for a 10-yard gain. Knight, on the other hand, recorded 15 carries for 80 yards (an average of 5.3 yards per carry) and two catches for 18 yards.

In Love’s absence, the Cardinals failed to score a single touchdown and watched kicker Chad Ryland carry them to victory as he scored six field goals, including the game-winner from 43 yards as time expired. Incredibly enough, in the only game this season in which Arizona didn’t score a touchdown, it still secured its second win of the season—and did so against an offseason Super Bowl LXI favorite.

Key takeaways

• Jeremiyah Love was ruled out by the Arizona Cardinals for Week 7 against Denver.
• A high ankle sprain has sidelined Jeremiyah Love for a second straight game.
• Jeremiyah Love totals 245 rushing yards on 67 carries in the 2026 season.

Per Jay Glazer of Fox, “the Broncos changed their offensive terminology when Davis Webb became OC in the offseason. When Sean Payton took play-calling duties back from Webb, he switched it back to his terminology. All the changing verbiage has played a role in Bo Nix’s struggles. Payton is confident Nix will be fine.”

Nix had a stellar 2025 season but the 2026 start hasn’t been good at all. Davis Webb was promoted to be the playcaller, but it didn’t work, so Payton took the duties back.

Promoting Davis Webb was a huge mistake

The saying “don’t fix what isn’t broken” didn’t get to Payton. He was so focused on keeping Webb that he promoted him to be a playcaller and didn’t foresee these issues. Not only that, but Payton is an elite playcaller, Webb was a first-timer. The drop-off was very predictable.

Now, the young QB is the one struggling, and trying to readapt. Payton should’ve, logically, never changed what was working to wonders. After all, Denver was one of the best offenses in the NFL. Now, it’s one of the worse.

Broncos weapons must step up

The Broncos paid a first-round pick to bring wideout Jaylen Waddle. Last season, they had a breakout year by WR Troy Franklin. Yet, both have been really underwhelming to start the season.

Jaylen Waddle is averaging 38 yards per game, while Troy Franklin is a no-show, with just 66 yards all season. In fact, it’s the backup running back, RJ Harvey, the one who leads the team in catches with 23.

Key takeaways

• Offensive terminology changes contributed to Bo Nix’s early-season struggles with Denver.
• Head coach Sean Payton retook play-calling duties from offensive coordinator Davis Webb.
• Backup running back RJ Harvey leads Denver with 23 catches this season.

The first interception came in the final two minutes of regulation, when the Seahawks had an opportunity to take control of the game. Darnold’s pass was intercepted by Kris Abrams-Draine, ending a promising drive, although Seattle’s defense gave the offense another chance to tie the score and force overtime.

However, Darnold’s second interception proved decisive. On Seattle’s first possession of overtime, Ja’Quan McMillian picked off the quarterback’s pass, giving Denver favorable field position. The Broncos capitalized on the mistake with Wil Lutz’s 53-yard field goal, dropping Seattle to 3-3 after its second consecutive defeat.

Mike Macdonald sends clear message to Sam Darnold after loss vs Broncos

Mike Macdonald did not hide his frustration with Seattle’s inability to protect the football after the loss. The Seahawks had fought back from an 11-point deficit in the fourth quarter to force overtime, but the turnovers ultimately undermined their comeback effort.

The head coach wasn’t happy with Darnold’s decisions in crucial moments of the game. “We have to take care of the ball. Sam knows that. He told the team that. We’ve got to take care of the ball.”

The Seahawks coach also stressed that the quarterback cannot be held responsible for every offensive problem. Darnold faced consistent pressure throughout the game, and Macdonald acknowledged that the offensive line must do a better job protecting him while the offense makes quicker decisions with the football.

“Our quarterback got hit too much today. We’ve got to do a better job protecting him and we’ve got to be more decisive with the football. We don’t want to take those hits, but they rushed and covered well.”

The message from Macdonald was clear: Seattle must improve both its ball security and its pass protection if it wants to turn its season around. Darnold has taken responsibility for his mistakes, but the Seahawks’ offensive struggles extend beyond the interceptions.

With extra time to prepare before their next game against the Kansas City Chiefs on October 25, Seattle will have an opportunity to address the issues that contributed to another narrow defeat.

Key takeaways

• Seattle lost 17-14 in overtime to the Denver Broncos after turning the ball over.
• Sam Darnold threw two fourth-quarter and overtime interceptions in the defeat.
• Coach Mike Macdonald demanded better ball security and protection for Sam Darnold.

The Seahawks announced the move on October 3 after the rookie aggravated the injury during practice. Price initially sustained the issue in Week 2 against the Arizona Cardinals, and the setback was serious enough to place him on injured reserve, meaning he must miss at least four games before he can be considered for a return.

Price’s absence comes at a difficult time for Seattle, which is also waiting for Zach Charbonnet to return from the torn ACL he suffered during the playoffs last January. With both backs unavailable against Denver, the Seahawks will rely on Emanuel Wilson and George Holani to handle much of the workload while Velus Jones Jr. provides additional depth.

Why is Jadarian Price out for Seahawks vs Broncos?

Jadarian Price is unavailable because of the chest injury that landed him on injured reserve earlier this month. The rookie first experienced the problem against Arizona and then aggravated it during practice, prompting Seattle to sideline him and make a roster move to protect its running back depth.

The injury means Price cannot return for the Broncos game, and his placement on injured reserve requires him to miss at least four games. Seattle will continue monitoring his recovery, but the team has not announced an exact date for his return to action.

Price had recorded 119 rushing yards on 28 carries across his first three NFL games before the injury interrupted his rookie season. His absence has forced the Seahawks to lean on other options, with Wilson stepping into a larger role and Holani also expected to contribute as Seattle tries to maintain its ground game.

Who is Seahawks’ starting running back?

Emanuel Wilson is expected to lead Seattle’s backfield against Denver after stepping up in Price’s absence. Wilson delivered a strong performance in the Seahawks’ win over the Los Angeles Chargers, rushing for 81 yards and a touchdown on 21 carries while adding three receptions for 39 yards and another score.

George Holani is another option who could see meaningful opportunities, particularly as Seattle manages its limited depth at running back. The Seahawks also have Velus Jones Jr. available after signing him from their practice squad, giving the coaching staff another player who can help fill the void.

Seattle’s backfield situation could change once Charbonnet is ready to return, but he is not expected to play against Denver. Until Price is cleared to come off injured reserve, Wilson will remain a key part of the Seahawks’ plans as they look to generate offense against the Broncos.

Charbonnet suffered the injury during Seattle’s divisional-round playoff victory over the San Francisco 49ers in January 2026 and subsequently underwent surgery. The recovery has kept him out throughout the offseason and the first five games of the regular season, delaying his return despite progress in recent weeks.

His absence is particularly significant following the Seahawks’ offseason departure of Kenneth Walker III. Charbonnet recorded career highs of 730 rushing yards and 12 touchdowns in 2025, and that’s why Seattle is eagerly waiting to get him back.

Why is Zach Charbonnet not playing in Seahawks vs Broncos?

Zach Charbonnet is unavailable because he has not yet completed his recovery from the ACL tear he suffered in the playoffs. Seattle placed him on the reserve physically unable to perform list before the regular season, keeping him out of the lineup until he is ready to return and the team activates him to the roster.

The Seahawks opened Charbonnet’s practice window on October 1, allowing him to resume football activities as he worked toward a comeback. However, he has continued to participate on a limited basis, and head coach Mike Macdonald indicated that the team would not rush him back for Thursday’s game against Denver.

Seattle officially ruled Charbonnet out for Week 6, meaning the running back will miss another opportunity to make his 2026 debut. The team will continue evaluating his progress while relying on other options in the backfield, including Emanuel Wilson and George Holani, as it manages the position during his absence.

When will Zach Charbonnet return?

Zach Charbonnet could return as soon as Week 7, but his availability will depend on how he progresses during the coming days. The Seahawks have until October 22 to activate him from the reserve/PUP list after opening his 21-day practice window. If they do not activate him by that deadline, he would be required to miss the remainder of the season.

The team has reason to remain patient after Charbonnet’s serious knee injury, particularly because he has yet to resume full participation in practice. Seattle wants him ready to contribute without putting unnecessary pressure on his recovery, so his return will depend on his readiness rather than simply the number of games he has missed.

If Charbonnet is not ready for Week 7, the Seahawks could still have another opportunity to bring him back later in the season, provided they activate him before the practice window closes. For now, his status remains uncertain, and Seattle will continue monitoring his progress as it looks to restore an important piece of its running game.

Surtain has been dealing with his ankle injury since Week 4 and has not participated in practice during the week leading up to the Seattle matchup. Hufanga, meanwhile, suffered his injury during Denver’s Week 5 victory over the Los Angeles Chargers and was also unable to practice as the Broncos prepared for Thursday’s game.

The absences represent a significant challenge for Denver’s defense against a Seattle offense led by quarterback Sam Darnold and star wide receiver Jaxon Smith-Njigba. With both defensive backs unavailable, the Broncos will need other players in their secondary to step up as they try to contain the Seahawks’ passing attack.

When is Pat Surtain II coming back?

Pat Surtain II could return as soon as Week 7, when the Broncos are scheduled to face the Arizona Cardinals. The extra recovery time following Thursday night’s game could help the All-Pro cornerback, although Denver has not officially confirmed a return date.

The Broncos have reason to be cautious with one of their most important defensive players. Surtain’s ability to cover opposing receivers makes him a central part of Denver’s defensive strategy, and the team will want him healthy before putting him back on the field.

Until his return is confirmed, Denver will have to manage without Surtain and adjust its coverage assignments. His availability for the Cardinals game will depend on his recovery and the medical staff’s assessment of his ankle.

How many weeks will Talanoa Hufanga miss with Broncos?

Talanoa Hufanga is expected to miss multiple weeks because of his ankle injury, according to ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler. Reports indicate that the safety could be sidelined for approximately three weeks, meaning his absence may extend beyond Thursday night’s matchup against Seattle.

The injury is particularly frustrating for Denver because Hufanga had made a significant impact during the first five games of the season. His production included 23 tackles, two interceptions, one interception returned for a touchdown, a sack and a forced fumble, making him a valuable contributor to the Broncos’ defense.

Denver will now need its remaining safeties to help fill the void while Hufanga recovers. If the projected timeline holds, the Broncos could be without him for upcoming games as well, with his eventual return depending on how his ankle responds to treatment and rehabilitation.

Key takeaways

• Pat Surtain II and Talanoa Hufanga are out against the Seahawks with ankle injuries.
• Surtain could return in Week 7 against the Arizona Cardinals.
• Talanoa Hufanga could miss approximately three weeks.