When the Broncos made their first playoff appearance in nearly a decade last January, Audric Estime was inactive. On gameday, Jaleel McLaughlin, Tyler Badie, and Javonte Williams were tapped to carry the rock, with none of them having much success.
So why was Estime inactive?
For whatever reason, Sean Payton decided it was in the team’s best interest to activate Badie from injured reserve and sit Estime. Tyler Badie had 2 carries for 8-yards.
This season, the Broncos bring Badie, Estime, McLaughlin, and the undrafted former Memphis Showboat Blake Watson back. They added RJ Harvey in the 2nd round of the draft to replace Javonte Williams who was jettisoned after an uninspiring return from injury.
“He’s a back that requires enough touches. He’s going to get those opportunities.”
Sean Payton has indicated that Estime will be part of the plan and will supposedly get the in-game reps that should set him up for success.
On the surface, that all sounds well and good at OTAs in May, but in the fall when the games are actually being played, the Broncos are going to need more than his 310-yard, 2 touchdown performance in 2024. With 76 attempts over the 13 games he played, it’s hard to imagine a meaningful spike in output.
The fact of the matter is that Denver needs its running backs to do better. Jaleel McLaughlin’s 496-yards and 1 touchdown on 113 attempts and Badie’s 86-yards on 11 attempts aren’t going to carry this team.
There is a massive hole for the Broncos at running back and it’s screaming for RJ Harvey to fill the void. Payton’s May proclamation that Estime is going to get the necessary touches sounds nice, but the reality is that this is RJ Harvey’s opportunity. If the team ends up having to rely on getting Estime those touches, the positive outlook on the 2025 season may change.
The time is now for Estime to demonstrate his worth to the Denver Broncos. The odds are long, but stranger things have happened at Mile High.
HEADLINES
In Broncos RB mix, Audric Estimé will 'get those opportunities'
Broncos coach Sean Payton made it clear during OTAs that second-year running back Audric Estimé will get opportunities in the coming weeks and months.
Falcons to "lean on" Darnell Mooney more this season - NBC Sports
Wide receiver Darnell Mooney got back on track in his first year with the Falcons.
Jordan Love wonders how he took a step back when Packers improved their record - NBC Sports
The Packers failed to get out of the first round of the playoffs after making it to the divisional round in 2023 and quarterback Jordan Love's numbers were down from his first season as a starter in several categories, so it isn't a major surprise that one talking point coming out of the 2024 season was whether Love took a step backward.
Bucs WR Jalen McMillan not viewing first-round pick Emeka Egbuka as competition - NBC Sports
As a rookie third-round draft pick last year, Buccaneers wide receiver Jalen McMillan established himself as an important part of the offense late in 2024, totaling 24 catches for 316 yards and seven touchdowns in the last five games of the season.
Jets place premium on blocking by receivers - NBC Sports
"No block, no rock."
Russell Wilson: George Pickens is misunderstood, he wants to be great - NBC Sports
When the 2024 season came to an end, Russell Wilson was asked about Steelers teammate George Pickens and said that he was looking forward to seeing "what we can do together."
Dabo Swinney braces to face "the Patriots" in 2025 - NBC Sports
The ACC rollercoaster has introduced an unexpected twist for Clemson coach Dabo Swinney in 2025.
Joe Burrow: If I played better last year, we wouldn't have missed playoffs - NBC Sports
When the Bengals missed the playoffs last season, fingers were pointed at the defense as the reason why the team failed to advance.
Commanders running it back with Brian Robinson Jr. as lead RB: 'He knows what this year means'
Washington didn't draft a back until Jacory Croskey-Merritt in the seventh round and didn't sign a veteran in free agency, leaving Brian Robinson the clear No. 1 heading into the season.
Jared Goff not fretting OC change: Lions offense always adding 'wrinkles'
Detroit Lions quarterback Jared Goff said changes on offense are natural every season. The offseason adjustments in Detroit are significant this year, with John Morton replacing Ben Johnson as offensive coordinator.
Packers' Matt LaFleur dismisses 'narrative' that QB Jordan Love regressed
Green Bay Packers quarterback Jordan Love didn't put up the same stats in Year 2, but coach Matt LaFleur rejected the notion that it means the QB regressed.
Browns' Shedeur Sanders flashes 'elite' skills, gets glowing review from team color analyst during OTAs - CBSSports.com
The fifth-round pick looks the part according to someone who has seen the former Colorado standout up close
Eagles finalizing trade to send DE Bryce Huff to 49ers, per report; grading the deal - CBSSports.com
Huff would reunite with 49ers defensive coordinator Robert Saleh, his former coach with the Jets
Steelers discussing potential trade with Dolphins for Pro Bowl tight end, per report - CBSSports.com
Jonnu Smith, who turns 30 this season, stood as Miami's lone Pro Bowler in 2024