The Denver Broncos have placed rookie running back Audric Estime on injured reserve, as reported by Aric DiLalla of Broncos.com on September 11. This move means Estime, a fifth-round draft pick from 2024, will be sidelined for at least the next four games. He is expected to be eligible to return in Week 6 for the matchup against the Los Angeles Chargers. In the meantime, the Broncos have added 2022 Super Bowl champion Michael Burton, a fullback previously with the Kansas City Chiefs, to their roster to fill Estime’s spot.
Burton, who was part of the Broncos’ practice squad, was promoted prior to the season opener against the Seattle Seahawks. In that game, he had one reception for 3 yards and no carries, logging 10 snaps, or 15% of the offensive plays. Last season, Burton appeared in 17 games with the Broncos, starting three and contributing with an 18% snap share.
Burton’s return to Denver also has personal significance, as he has worked with Broncos head coach Sean Payton during the 2020 season with the New Orleans Saints. This marks a continuation of Burton’s career with various NFL teams, including the Detroit Lions, Chicago Bears, and Washington Commanders. He has now spent time with four of the six teams he’s been a part of, with New Orleans and Washington being the exceptions.
Estime’s injury issues are becoming a recurring theme. He previously missed time during OTAs with a knee injury that required arthroscopic surgery but returned for training camp. His latest setback occurs as he was beginning to adapt to the NFL and earn more playing time. In the Broncos’ Week 1 loss to the Seahawks, Estime, who was positioned as the RB3, had limited impact with two carries for 14 yards, while starters Javonte Williams and Jaleel McLaughlin had more opportunities.
With Estime out, the Broncos may look to elevate rookie Blake Watson from the practice squad. The team’s other running backs, Williams and McLaughlin, combined for only 50 yards on 18 carries in their loss to the Seahawks, averaging just 2.77 yards per carry.
In addition to these roster moves, the Broncos are dealing with a lengthy injury report. Three starters—center Luke Wattenberg, left tackle Garett Bolles, and wide receiver Josh Reynolds—did not participate in practice. Rookie receiver Devaughn Vele and reserve edge rusher Jonah Elliss were also noted in the injury report.
The Broncos have also signed wide receiver Kaden Davis and conducted a workout with punter Michael Palardy. As the team prepares for their Week 2 game against the Pittsburgh Steelers, they may face a tougher opponent depending on the availability of former Broncos quarterback Russell Wilson. Wilson, currently with the Steelers, missed Week 1 due to a calf injury and could also be sidelined for Week 2. If Wilson is unable to play, the Broncos might encounter former Bears quarterback Justin Fields, who had a strong performance against the Broncos last season.
Overall, the Broncos are facing several challenges with injuries impacting their roster and their upcoming game plans, making it crucial for them to adjust and find effective replacements.