ENGLEWOOD — RJ Harvey is growing confident as a pass catcher in his rookie Broncos season.

The second-round pick enters Week 14 against the Raiders as Denver’s lead running back once again with J.K. Dobbins on injured reserve (foot). Harvey, standing near his locker stall recently at Broncos Park, said he felt like the team “had a great week of practice” and that he must “take advantage of the opportunity.”

The Broncos struggled to maintain rushing success in two games without Dobbins. Harvey, in combined wins over the Chiefs and Commanders, rushed 24 times for 65 yards — just 2.7 yards per attempt. Coach Sean Payton told reporters after Week 13: “It was one of those frustrating nights running the ball.”

The flip side? Harvey continues to produce catching passes out of the backfield.

The UCF product, entering Sunday in Las Vegas, ranked third on the team with four receiving touchdowns. Harvey caught 31 of 36 passing targets from quarterback Bo Nix — totaling 222 yards receiving. Harvey flashed the versatile “Joker” skillset that Payton coveted in the offseason.

“Each week, we’re getting more and more confident in route running. Just getting on the same page with Bo,” Harvey said. “You know, it’s a lot that we do in practice that we haven’t even done in the game yet. But it’s all gonna show soon.”

Is it exciting to have those plays in his back pocket?

“Definitely,” Harvey responded. “It’s very exciting.”

Harvey admits that NFL pass blocking is far more difficult, mentally and physically, compared to his college football experience. He said that defenders are “bigger and stronger” but that “you’ve just got to be willing to do it.” Knowing his assignment is critical.

The rookie learning curve is often steep. But Harvey impressed teammates with his growth.

“You can tell he’s playing more confident,” tight end Evan Engram said. “He knows the offense and is more sure of himself. I think once you can learn this system and be confident in where you’re at on the field, you can play faster. I think he’s getting more confident and starting to play a lot faster.”

Roster moves

The Broncos promoted tight end Marcedes Lewis to the active roster on Saturday ahead of Week 14 against the Raiders. Denver waived linebacker Garret Wallow in a corresponding move.

Lewis, 41, was signed to Denver’s practice squad as a free agent in late October. The veteran tight end is playing in his 20th NFL season. Denver elevated Lewis from the practice squad in three previous games this season and appeared on 38 total offensive snaps.

The Broncos are light on available tight ends with injuries to Nate Adkins (knee) and Lucas Krull (foot, injured reserve). Adkins will miss his fifth consecutive game on Sunday.

Wallow played in seven games this season as a special teams contributor with five tackles.

The Broncos also elevated inside linebacker Jordan Turner on Saturday from the practice squad. Turner made his NFL debut in Week 8 against the Cowboys. He’s logged one defensive tackle and two special teams tackles this season.

Turner is an undrafted rookie out of Michigan State who made the team as a tryout player at rookie minicamp. He is now out of elevations and will need to be signed to the active roster to play following Sunday.

Briefly

Outside linebacker Nik Bonitto was fined $11,593 for unsportsmanlike conduct in Week 13 against the Commanders, the NFL announced on Saturday. The league determined that Bonitto pulled Washington center Tyler Biadasz off the pile, which is illegal contact. Bonitto can appeal the fine. … Cornerback Riley Moss pointed to areas of improvement on defense. Moss said: “Being able to stop the run consistently. On the back end, we’ve seen every look in the book. Teams know that we’re going to play a lot of man (coverage).”