The 2024 fifth-round pick carried the ball 14 times, a season best, in Week 10 against the Kansas City Chiefs. His 3.8 yards per carry was a season low. However, Estime ended the game without fumbling, which was a remarkable feature of his previous performances, as he had only two in his previous 15 totes.
If the coach continues to feed Estime, he could unleash a “monster” on the league.
“It’s a tough one, but I think we’re going to use this as fuel for the rest of the season,” Estime told DNVR Broncos’ Zac Stevens following the November 10 loss to Kansas City.
“I’ve experienced something similar. However, this time the stakes are higher. I am at a higher level. It’s the first time I’ve truly felt this way in the NFL. It’s very challenging. But I believe it will make me until I’m wonderful.”
Zac Stevens
“I thought he ran well,” said Payton to reporters on November 11. “I was encouraged, and he’ll continue to get more reps.”
Estime has ran for 148 yards on 29 carries, with a 5.1 yards-per-carry average.
Sean Payton’s Affinity for Audric Estime Could Push Javonte Williams Out of the Broncos’ RB Rotation
In addition to his fumbling problems, Estime has been plagued by injuries, landing on injured reserve in Week 1 against the Seattle Seahawks. Payton switched the backfield towards Estime in Week 10 against the Chiefs, giving him 26 snaps to Javonte Williams’ 17.
Williams has 388 yards and two touchdowns from 103 attempts. He started the season as the starter, but in weeks 9 and 10, backup Jaleel McLaughlin started alongside the starters.
Williams, a second-round pick in the 2021 draft, is in the final year of his rookie contract.
Williams had the fewest snaps of the season against the Chiefs, while Estime had the most. And, because the two are similar in stature and McLaughlin has a more versatile profile, Williams’ future in Denver is uncertain at best.
Williams appeared to be losing his grasp on the RB1 spot earlier this season before Tyler Badie sustained a back injury in Week 4 against the New York Jets.
Estime’s rise may be the final blow.
Sean Payton Calls Out Former Second-Round Pick
Payton mentioned another former second-round choice, wide receiver Marvin Mims, for his contributions to the ground game, which included three carries for 17 yards. Mims also caught all four of his targets for 13 yards, giving him a season high of 30 yards from scrimmage in the game.
“I thought Mims gave us some juice as well,” Payton explained. “Just trying to find different roles, different ways to utilize these players.”
Mims’ only other rush this season was for 17 yards against the Las Vegas Raiders in Week 5.
Payton expressed confidence that Mims will play a larger role this season after the Broncos traded Jerry Jeudy to the Cleveland Browns during the 2024 offseason. However, Mims enters Week 10 with seven receptions for 56 yards.
To help quarterback Bo Nix, the Broncos need Mims to improve, as do newcomers Troy Franklin and Devaughn Vele.
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