Audric Estime Injury News & Updates

The Saints signed Estimate to their active roster Wednesday, Matthew Paras of The New Orleans Times-Picayune reports.

The second-year running back from Notre Dame signed with the Saints' practice squad in late October and has now earned a spot on the active roster. Estime appeared in 13 regular-season games for the Broncos in 2024, rushing 76 rimes for 310 yards and two touchdowns. He's likely to have a depth role in the Saints' backfield, playing behind Alvin Kamara and Devin Neal.

The Saints signed Estime to their practice squad Tuesday.

Estime spent the preseason with Denver -- the team that drafted him in the fifth round in 2024 -- before being waived in late August. Estime then signed to Philadelphia's practice squad but was waived last week. He'll now get a look from the Saints, who just lost RB Kendre Miller to a season-ending knee injury. Velus Jones was promoted to New Orleans' active roster from its practice squad Tuesday, opening up a space for Estime to join the latter group.

The Eagles cut Estime from the practice squad Tuesday, Ian Rapoport of NFL Network reports.

Estime spent training camp and the preseason with the Broncos but was squeezed out of a roster spot following Denver's offseason additions of J.K. Dobbins and RJ Harvey. He spent the first six weeks of the season on Philly's practice squad but will look for a new opportunity elsewhere.

Estime is in line to sign with the Eagles' practice squad, Parker Gabriel of The Denver Post reports.

Estime was embedded in a battle for a roster spot in a crowded Broncos backfield this summer and lost out to J.K. Dobbins, RJ Harvey, Jaleel McLaughlin and Tyler Badie. After getting cut Tuesday, Estime cleared waivers one day later and quickly found a new home. He'll now be in reserve in the event Saquon Barkley, Will Shipley or AJ Dillon need to miss time for any reason.

The Broncos plan to waive Estime, Chris Tomasson of The Denver Gazette reports.

Per Tomasson, Estime, who Denver took in the fifth round of the 2024 NFL Draft, is a candidate to join the team's practice squad, if he claims waivers. Now that Estime is no longer slated to be in the mix, J.K. Dobbins, RJ Harvey and Jaleel McLaughlin profile as the Broncos' top backfield options.

Estime rushed eight times for 45 yards and a touchdown and brought in one of two targets for eight yards in the Broncos' 28-19 preseason win over the Saints on Saturday afternoon.

The second-year back led the Broncos in rush attempts and rushing yards while also recording a five-yard TD run with three minutes remaining in the third quarter. Estime's primary competition for the No. 3 running back job, Jaleel McLaughlin, did not log a carry or target, which could very well mean he's locked into his spot on the depth chart. However, Estime did enter the game after both rookie RJ Harvey and Tyler Badie, with the latter's in-game slotting certainly noteworthy. Nevertheless, assuming Estime makes it through final cuts, he could certainly work his way into some reps across all three downs as the season unfolds, and Saturday's performance certainly did nothing to harm his chances of such.

Estime rushed eight times for 21 yards and caught his lone target for 20 yards in Saturday's 30-9 preseason win over the 49ers.

Estime recorded the most carries of any Broncos running back, but his first rushing attempt did not come until the start of the third quarter. The second-year back has fallen down the depth chart heading into the 2025 season, finding himself in a crowded running back room with J.K. Dobbins, rookie RJ Harvey, Jaleel McLaughlin, Tyler Badie and Blake Watson. With added competition for playing time, the possibility remains that Estime could be the odd man out at the end of the preseason. According to Troy Renck of the Denver Post, Badie's work on special teams and his patience in the run game could be the reason Estime will face an uphill battle to make the team. The Notre Dame product will have his next opportunity to earn a spot on the roster when the Broncos host the Cardinals in Denver's second preseason game next Saturday night.

Broncos head coach Sean Payton said Thursday that Estime is a "back that requires enough touches" and "just didn't have enough as a rookie," but is "going to get those opportunities" during the 2025 season, Mike Klis of 9News Denver reports.

Estime and fellow incumbent Jaleel McLaughlin opened OTAs taking the majority of first-team running back reps, but courtesy of his second-round draft capital, it shouldn't take long for rookie RJ Harvey to climb the depth chart. A 2024 fifth-round pick, Estime racked up 76 carries for 310 yards and two touchdowns across 14 regular-season games as a rookie, while securing all five of his targets for 27 yards and fumbling twice (one lost). He was also a healthy scratch for the team's wild-card round playoff loss to the Vikings. Harvey's addition to the backfield figures to more than account for the touches vacated by Javonte Williams' departure for Dallas in free agency, but Payton appears to still envision a clear role for Estime, even acknowledging that his bruising rushing style requires ample opportunities to wear down opposing defenses. At 5-foot-11, 227-pounds, Estime could operate as a 'thunder' complement to the 5-foot-8, 205-pound Harvey's 'lightning,' though the latter tailback demonstrated an ability

Estime finished the 2024 season with 76 carries for 310 yards and two touchdowns while catching all five of his targets for 27 yards. He also committed two fumbles (one lost) across 13 games.

Estime was inactive for the Broncos wild-card loss to the Broncos, as Denver opted to go with a three-man running back rotation of Javonte Williams, Jaleel McLaughlin and Tyler Badie. The 21-year-old Estime was stuck in a committee in his rookie campaign, unable to separate himself as the go-to option in the Denver backfield. With that said, the Notre Dame product showed flashes in his limited opportunities throughout the season, so his continued development may help him to attain a more secure role in his sophomore campaign. Williams could be in a new locale in 2025, as the veteran is set to become an unrestricted free agent this offseason. His potential departure would leave Estime, McLaughlin and Badie competing to be Denver's lead back. It's also possible the Broncos could address the position in free agency or the 2025 NFL Draft.

Estime (coach's decision) is inactive for Sunday's AFC wild-card game against the Bills.

Estime's inactive status comes as a bit of a surprise considering he recorded at least nine touches in each of the final three games of the regular season and has contributed on special teams. However, Estime will be the odd man out of the Broncos' backfield due to Tyler Badie (back) returning from injured reserve. Denver will go with a three-man backfield of Jaleel McLaughlin, Javonte Williams and Badie for Sunday's playoff game.

Estime rushed the ball 12 times for 34 yards and a touchdown in Sunday's 38-0 win over the Chiefs.

Estime logged double-digit carries for the second time in his rookie season, though he arguably worked behind both Jaleel McLaughlin and Javonte Williams. Of Estime's 12 carries, 10 came in the fourth quarter with the Broncos up by at least four scores. Barring a similar game script -- which would come as a shock -- in Denver's wild-card round matchup against the Bills, Estime isn't likely to play a significant role in the offense.

Estime rushed the ball nine times for 24 yards in Saturday's 30-24 overtime loss to the Bengals. He added one reception on one target for 13 yards.

Estime earned nine carries for the second consecutive week, finishing second narrowly behind Jaleel McLaughlin for touches out of the backfield. He had difficulty finding running room, as his longest rush went for just six yards and was held for two yards or fewer on four of his nine carries. While Estime seems to have established a role in the Denver offense, his fantasy appeal remains limited in the split backfield.

Estime rushed nine times for 48 yards and a touchdown in the Broncos' 34-27 loss to the Chargers on Thursday night.

Estime outpaced Javonte Williams and Blake Watson by five carries apiece, making him the leader of Denver's ground attack on the night. The rookie also recorded his first NFL touchdown on a three-yard run just before the midway point of the first quarter to cap off a 10-play, 72-yard drive and open the scoring on the night. Estime had recorded 16 rushing yards or less on six or fewer carries in four consecutive games heading into Thursday, and it remains to be seen if his efficient performance will keep him in the lead role for a favorable Week 17 road matchup against the Bengals on Saturday, Dec. 28.

Estime rushed five times for 13 yards while catching his lone target for five yards in Sunday's 31-13 win over the Colts.

Estime had another unimpressive performance Sunday, though his six total touches were his most since Week 11. As the Denver backfield continues to be a full-blown committee, the rookie running back has seen limited opportunities to make much noise on offense. Estime played just 13 of the Broncos' 63 offensive snaps against the Colts, behind both Javonte Williams (34) and Jaleel McLaughlin (15). For fantasy purposes, the Notre Dame product is nothing more than a middling insurance policy in the event of injuries to either Williams or McLaughlin going forward. The Broncos visit the Chargers in Week 16.

Estime rushed three times for 12 yards in Monday's 41-32 win over the Browns.

Estime played just eight of the Broncos' 66 offensive snaps, behind teammates Javonte Williams (30) and Jaleel McLaughlin (24). With head coach Sean Payton allowing for a more fluid rotation in the Denver backfield from week to week, Estime appears to be the odd man out recently, handling just 12 total carries over the past three games. With such limited usage, Estime should remain off the fantasy radar going forward barring injuries to either Williams or McLaughlin. The Broncos will host the Colts on Dec. 15 when they return from their Week 14 bye.

Estime rushed three times for 15 yards in Sunday's 29-19 win over the Raiders.

Just two weeks after seemingly taking over as the Broncos' No. 1 running back, Estime has seen his usage diminish drastically since Week 10, now operating as Denver's third option out of the backfield. The rookie played just five of the Broncos' 68 offensive snaps, behind both Javonte Williams (38) and Jaleel McLaughlin (20). His eight percent snap share Sunday was a precipitous drop from the last two contests in which Estime handled snap shares of 45 percent and 22 percent in Weeks 10 and 11, respectively. Fantasy managers hoping to have found a late-season may need to come to terms with the fact that head coach Sean Payton will use the hot-hand approach with Denver's running back committee, limiting the 21-year-old Estime's weekly upside. Though he'll be difficult to trust in fantasy lineups, the Notre Dame product will have his next chance to get more involved in the offense when the Broncos host the Browns in Week 13.

Estime rushed six times for 66 yards while catching all three of his targets for nine yards in Sunday's 38-6 win over the Falcons.

Estime got three fewer carries than Javonte Williams after notching 14 carries to Williams' one in Week 10 against the Chiefs. The rookie fifth-round pick out of Notre Dame hadn't been targeted in any of his previous six NFL appearances, so it was encouraging to see Estime get involved in the passing game. A timeshare between Williams and Estime is likely moving forward, though Williams may still be in line for a slight edge in playing time against the Raiders in Week 12.

Broncos head coach Sean Payton said Monday that he "was encouraged" with Estime's performance against the Chiefs and that the rookie will "continue to get more reps," Aric DiLalla of the Broncos' official site reports.

After handling his largest workload of his rookie season, Estime seems to have earned a vote of confidence from Payton. It seems veteran Javonte Williams could continue to take a backseat to the 21-year-old after Williams handled just one carry against Kansas City. Though Estime has yet to be targeted in the passing game this season, his usage on the ground could result in solid fantasy production moving forward. Though fantasy managers may want to take a wait-and-see approach, the Notre Dame product could be in for a decent workload when the Broncos host the Falcons in Week 11.

Estime rushed 14 times for 53 yards in the Broncos' 16-14 loss to the Chiefs on Sunday.

Estime was given the largest workload of his brief career, with backfield mate Javonte Williams surprisingly limited to just one rush attempt overall. The rookie handled the additional responsibility well, posting a new career high in rushing yards. The lack of involvement in the passing game was far from ideal, but Estime should have plenty of opportunity again in a Week 11 home matchup against the Falcons.

Broncos head coach Sean Payton said Monday that he anticipates Estime playing more frequently down the stretch, Chris Tomasson of The Denver Gazette reports.

Since returning to action Week 6 following a four-week stint on injured reserve due to an ankle injury, Estime has been lightly sprinkled into Denver's game plan. He's played between two and seven snaps in each of the last four contests, carrying 13 times for 81 yards while going without a target. Though Javonte Williams and Jaleel McLaughlin currently remain ahead of Estime in the pecking order, the efficiency that that rookie has shown in his limited sample thus far could motivate the coaching staff to increase his workload in the weeks to come. With Williams headed for free agency this spring and uncertain to be retained by Denver, Estime could have a real chance at heading into 2025 as the team's starter if he continues to run effectively while seeing his snaps tick up over the second half of the season.

Estime carried the ball five times for 35 yards in Sunday's 41-10 loss to the Ravens.

It was the rookie RB's best performance yet, but most of Estime's production came on a 21-yard gain on Denver's final possession of the fourth quarter while facing a 31-point deficit. The 2024 fifth-round pick is still third on the backfield depth chart behind Javonte Williams and Jaleel McLaughlin, but the latter's struggles this season -- after rushing for only 10 yards on five totes Sunday, McLaughlin has averaged 3.9 yards per carry, a huge drop from his 5.4 YPC in 2023 -- could open the door for Estime to earn a bigger role in the second half of the campaign.

Estime rushed once for 4 yards in Sunday's 28-14 win over the Panthers.

Estime continued to be an afterthought in Denver's offense, playing just five offensive snaps for the second-straight week and handling just one carry in the contest. Meanwhile, teammates Javonte Williams and Jaleel McLaughlin played 42 and 23 snaps, respectively. Barring an injury to either Williams or McLaughlin, the 21-year-old Estime remains far off the fantasy radar heading into a Week 9 matchup against the Ravens in which the rookie should continue to see minimal usage as Denver's No. 3 running back.

Estime rushed five times for 29 yards and lost a fumble in Thursday's 33-10 win over the Saints.

In just his second game back from injured reserve due to the ankle injury suffered in Week 1, Estime recorded season highs in rushing attempts and yards, while also playing a season-high six offensive snaps in the contest. With that said, these modest totals should keep the rookie off the fantasy radar for the time being as the No. 3 option behind starter Javonte Williams and second-year running back Jaleel McLaughlin, and the lost fumble in limited playing time may not help his cause in the short term, either. It's possible, however, that Estime could see his role grow over the course of the season, as he handled one more carry than McLaughlin despite playing eight less snaps Thursday. The 21-year-old Notre Dame product will have his next opportunity to get more involved in the offense when the Broncos host the Panthers in Week 8.

Estime rushed twice for 13 yards in Sunday's 23-16 loss to the Chargers.

Estime made his return to the field Sunday after being activated from injured reserve for the ankle injury he suffered in Week 1, however, the rookie running back played just two of the Broncos' 55 offensive snaps in the contest. It's likely Denver's coaching staff wants to ease Estime back into a more substantial workload, but he'll still face an uphill battle for playing time behind both Javonte Williams and Jaleel McLaughlin moving forward. The 21-year-old Notre Dame product could challenge for an expanded role in a backfield that has failed to impress consistently thus far. Estime will look to be more involved when the Broncos visit the Saints in Week 7.

Estime (hamstring) is active for Sunday's Week 6 matchup against the Chargers.

The rookie will therefore be available to aid Denver's ground attack for the first time since hurting his hamstring in his Week 1 NFL debut. Estime was just activated from injured reserve Saturday, and in Sunday's divisional clash, he figures to slot in as the No. 3 running back behind Javonte Williams and Jaleel McLaughlin.

Estime (ankle) was activated off injured reserve Saturday. The rookie running back is still listed as questionable for Sunday's contest against the Chargers, Chris Tomasson of The Denver Gazette reports.

The Denver backfield appears to have a bit more of a cadence than it did early on, with Javonte Williams averaging about 33 snaps per game and Jaleel McLaughlin mixing in somewhere in the range of 17 to 23 snaps most weeks. Estime probably won't play much to start, but he does profile as more of a thumper than anyone currently on the depth chart and could earn more opportunities as the season progresses.

Estime (ankle) practiced fully this week and is listed as questionable for Sunday's game against the Chargers, Susanna Weir of the Broncos' official site reports.

Estime was designated for return from injured reserve Wednesday, so he'll need to be activated to the 53-man roster by Saturday afternoon in order to be available for Sunday's contest. If the 2024 fifth-rounder does suit up this weekend, in his return to the mix he'd be in line to provide Denver with backfield depth behind Javonte Williams and Jaleel McLaughlin.

Estime (ankle) returned to practice Wednesday, opening his 21-day window to come off injured reserve, Parker Gabriel of The Denver Post reports.

The Broncos can place Estime back on the active roster any time before Oct. 30, at which point he'd revert to injured reserve for the rest of the season. He injured his ankle Week 1 and has now missed the minimum of four games, potentially opening the door for a third man to get involved in a backfield that's featured Javonte Williams as the lead runner and Jaleel McLaughlin in a supporting role. Both struggled earlier this season but have been more efficient with their touches the past two games.

The Broncos have placed Estime (ankle) on IR, per the NFL's official transaction log.

As a result, Estime will miss at least four games, but it doesn't appear as though the 2024 fifth-rounder will need surgery to address his injury, per Parker Gabriel of The Denver Post. In his absence, the Broncos' healthy options at RB are Javonte Williams, Jaleel McLaughlin and Blake Watson.

Estime rushed twice for 14 yards in Sunday's 26-20 loss to the Seahawks.

Estime played just three of the Broncos' 69 offensive snaps Sunday while Javonte Williams and Jaleel McLaughlin dominated in running back snap counts with 36 and 24 snaps, respectively. The rookie tried to make a highlight play by hurdling a Seattle defender on one of his carries, but ended up fumbling the ball before it was recovered by a teammate. It appears Estime is well behind Williams and McLaughlin in the pecking order, though his role could increase as the season progresses, especially if the Denver backfield is hit with the injury bug at any point this year. Estime should remain off the fantasy radar when the Broncos host the Steelers in Week 2.

Estime carried the ball five times for 18 yards and a touchdown in Sunday's 38-12 preseason win over the Cardinals. He also caught his only target for 14 yards.

The rookie running back got the start and saw a healthy workload on his only drive, capping it with a three-yard TD run. Estime appears to be heading into the season as Denver's No. 4 back behind Javonte Williams, Samaje Perine and Jaleel McLaughlin, none of whom played Sunday in the team's preseason finale. Despite that seemingly inhospitable role, Estime could have some fantasy value in 2024 if he becomes the Broncos' short-yardage and goal-line specialist.

Estime rushed four times for 14 yards and caught one of his two targets for seven yards in Sunday's 27-2 preseason win over the Packers.

Estime's 15 offensive snaps were the most played by any Broncons running back in the contest. The rookie running back has impressed Denver's coaching staff during training camp due to his physicality as a rusher, so he could be an intriguing option for early-down and goal-line work behind Javonte Williams. Nonetheless, Estime is also competing with Jaleel McLaughlin and Samaje Perine within Denver's backfield rotation. The Notre Dame product will likely see a good deal of work in the Broncos' preseason finale against the Cardinals.

Estime rushed 10 times for 31 yards and a touchdown, caught all three of his targets for 13 yards and lost a fumble in Sunday's 34-30 preseason win over the Colts.

Estime was the fourth running back into the game for the Broncos after Javonte Williams, Jaleel McLaughlin and Samaje Perine all saw action in the first quarter. The rookie fifth-round pick is considered more of a threat to Williams' early-down touches than McLaughlin or Perine's reps in pass catching situations, though Estime showed himself to be a capable pass catcher by securing all three of his targets Sunday. Estime scored a two-yard rushing touchdown in the third quarter but put the ball on the ground on his very next carry and watched the Indianapolis defense scoop and score on his fumble. With the knee injury that kept him sidelined during the spring now in the rear-view mirror, Estime will likely handle another substantial workload in Denver's next preseason game against the Packers.

Estime (knee) was a full participant in Wednesday's training camp session, Nick Kosmider of The Athletic reports.

Estime looks back to full health after missing most of the spring offseason program due to a knee scope. The rookie fifth-round pick appears to have a real opportunity to compete for a role in the Broncos' backfield, which also houses Javonte Williams, Jaleel McLaughlin and Samaje Perine. He boasts the size and physical profile to potentially carve out a goal-line role, but it may take until well into the preseason for the shape of Denver's backfield split to truly become clear.

Estime (knee) avoided being placed on the active/PUP list by the Broncos prior to the start of training camp Tuesday, Parker Gabriel of The Denver Post reports.

Estime missed the majority of the team's offseason program while recovering from a knee scope, but as head coach Sean Payton said earlier in July, the running back appears to be on track to participate immediately at training camp. Estime was selected in the fifth round of the 2024 NFL Draft and he will compete with the likes of Javonte Williams, Jaleel McLaughlin and Samaje Perine for touches out of the backfield this preseason.

Coach Sean Payton expects Estime (knee) to be "full go" for the start of training camp, Nick Kosmider of The Athletic reports.

The rookie fifth-round pick missed most of Denver's offseason program after undergoing a minor knee scope this spring. Kosmider suggests Estime could challenge Javonte Williams for lead-runner duties in an offense that also has Jaleel McLaughlin and Samaje Perine as strong candidates for backfield roles. It'll likely shape up as some form of committee again, with the 227-pound Estime a candidate to provide a power element if Williams fails to regain the explosiveness he showed early in his career before a multi-ligament knee tear in Oct. 2022.

Estime underwent a small scope on his knee last week, but he is expected to be ready for training camp, Troy Renck of Denver 7 News reports.

Estime is expected to rehab his knee, so he will not be present at OTAs or mandatory minicamp in June. At 5-foot-11, 221 pounds, the Broncos' fifth round pick of this year's draft is projected to bring a physical style to the running back room. Assuming his health is back up to par by training camp, he will presumably be competing with the likes of Samaje Perine, Jaleel McLaughlin, Tyler Badie and Blake Watson for a depth role behind Javonte Williams in this year's backfield.