Audric Estime, a former Notre Dame football standout, is set to impress NFL fans someday, but that day is at least four weeks away. The running back suffered an ankle injury in his regular-season debut with the Denver Broncos, landing him on the injured list earlier this week.
The downside is that Estime will miss some time before his rookie season truly begins. However, the positive news is that his absence won’t be prolonged; the Broncos have placed him on injured reserve for just four weeks. The rules have changed, and being on IR doesn’t mean a season-ending injury anymore. Estime is expected to return to action later in his rookie season.
Broncos are placing rookie RB Audric Estime on injured reserve due to an ankle injury; Estime now will miss a minimum of four weeks.
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) September 11, 2024
There’s a concern that this injury might disrupt his progress. The NFL is highly competitive, and losing a spot in the lineup can make it challenging to reclaim. Estime is expected to be out until at least Week 6. The Broncos used one of their IR return spots on cornerback Damarri Mathis, leaving them with seven more activations. If Estime is activated after four weeks, he will use one of those slots.
In the meantime, the Broncos will rely on Javonte Williams and Jaleel McLaughlin as their main running backs, with undrafted rookie free agent Blake Watson still on the active roster. Watson, who was a healthy scratch in Week 1, might need to make his debut against Pittsburgh on Sunday.
Another downside to this situation is that it extends Estime’s injury issues since being drafted in the fifth round. He had a minor knee procedure in the offseason that limited his participation in OTAs and delayed his involvement in minicamp practices. Despite these setbacks, the Broncos reportedly have plans for Estime and see potential for him to become the featured back. After his senior season at Notre Dame, there are expectations in Denver that he could develop into a Jerome Bettis-type player for the team.
