The Broncos have signed running back Tyler Badie from the practice squad to the 53-man roster, the team announced on Wednesday.
The transaction comes after Badie rushed for 70 yards on nine carries in Denver’s 26-7 win over the Buccaneers on Sunday. Badie’s 43-yard carry in the fourth quarter was the longest run by a Broncos player this season.
Badie has been elevated from the practice squad over the last two weeks after rookie running back Audric Estime was placed on the injured reserve due to an ankle injury. Against the Steelers, Badie only had one carry for 16 yards but saw his production increase in Week 3.
The Missouri product has provided much-needed juice to Denver’s run game, which ranks 22nd in the league in yards per game (99.7). He has 10 carries for 86 yards while averaging 8.6 yards per attempt. Badie has more rushing yards than starter Javonte Williams (24 carries, 52 yards) despite having less than half as many carries.
Badie’s sudden success could lead to a shake up in Denver’s running back rotation. Williams only had five carries for 12 yards and a costly fumble against Tampa Bay, while Badie received the bulk of the ball carries in the fourth quarter with seven for 63 yards.
“There were a handful of plays designed with (Badie’s) name on it,” head coach Sean Payton said after the game. “He’s running well and so he gets some more plays, but we’ll keep working that combination.”
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