The Denver Broncos are not expected to activate running back Tyler Badie from injured reserve before his return deadline expires on January 14, according to multiple reports. Despite being “fully healthy,” as reported by Chris Tomasson of the Denver Gazette, the team is unlikely to bring him back into the fold. The Broncos’ backfield is already crowded with several running backs on the 53-man roster, including Javonte Williams, Jaleel McLaughlin, Audric Estime, and Blake Watson. With these players filling out the position, there is little room for Badie, barring an injury to one of the current backs.
Tyler Badie, who has been on injured reserve due to a back issue, has not seen action in a while, and it appears the Broncos are content with their current depth at running back. There is no indication that the team will prioritize activating him unless a situation arises where more running back depth is needed due to injury. The team’s Jan. 14 deadline for activating players from IR is rapidly approaching, and unless there’s a shift in the team’s roster strategy or an unexpected injury, Badie is expected to remain sidelined.
Earlier this season, the Broncos made some notable moves involving their injured players. They successfully activated six players from injury lists, including traded pass rusher Baron Browning, offensive tackle Mike McGlinchey, cornerback Damarri Mathis, running back Audric Estime, and center Luke Wattenberg. Additionally, linebacker Drew Sanders was activated from the physically unable to perform (PUP) list. These moves helped bolster the team’s roster as they navigated through the season’s challenges.
On the other hand, the Broncos made the decision to release wide receiver Josh Reynolds when his IR window was closing, signaling their intent to move forward without him. Similarly, safety Delarrin Turner-Yell, who was also on the PUP list, has been kept on that list for the remainder of the season, suggesting the team has no immediate plans to bring him back into the lineup.
As the Broncos approach the final stretch of the season, their decisions on injured players and roster moves will likely continue to be closely scrutinized. For Badie, his future with the team will depend on how the backfield develops in the coming weeks, and whether or not the Broncos feel the need to activate him from injured reserve before the deadline. For now, the focus remains on the current running backs and their ability to contribute to the team’s success moving forward.