5 running backs the Denver Broncos could get to replace Javonte Williams

The Denver Broncos’ offense finally showed some signs of life against the Las Vegas Raiders on Sunday, albeit in a loss, but it came at a great cost. Seen on crutches in the locker room after the game, Broncos starting running back Javonte Williams went down with a knee injury on the first play of the third quarter and was carted to the locker room, getting ruled out almost immediately. The Broncos are not expecting good news, as you would expect.

The good news is, the Broncos have a very experienced running back on the roster behind Williams in veteran Melvin Gordon. The bad news? Gordon has had a significant fumbling issue that has cost his team gravely. Over the course of the last five games Gordon has played (dating back to the Broncos’ matchup vs. the Chiefs at the end of the 2021 season), the former first-round pick out of Wisconsin has five fumbles.

Denver Broncos need RB reinforcements after Javonte Williams injury

Williams won’t be expected back this season for the Denver Broncos until the MRI results come through. It will be a huge break for the Broncos if he’s able to return at all and this is somehow just a minor injury compared to what reports are making it seem. Let’s take a look through some options the Broncos could consider to fortify the position alongside Melvin Gordon and Mike Boone.

1. Tevin Coleman (currently on 49ers practice squad)

For a stretch of time, Tevin Coleman was one of the better RB2s in the NFL. Drafted to play in the Kyle Shanahan offense in Atlanta, Coleman was the second half of a dynamic duo in the backfield once upon a time with Devonta Freeman. Six years goes by pretty quick in the NFL, doesn’t it?

Over the course of his NFL career, Coleman has averaged over four yards per carry and has proven himself capable as a receiver out of the backfield. Most recently, he saw some regular season action last year with the Jets and had over 400 yards from scrimmage in 11 games. Denver Broncos tight ends coach Jake Moreland was in New York last year as an offensive assistant and undoubtedly knows Coleman, but offensive coordinator Justin Outten also knows him from their days together in Atlanta as well.

The Broncos would have to poach Coleman off the 49ers’ practice squad, but if they can offer him an expanded role in the offense, he might be willing to leave.