Audric Estime took a meaningful step forward for the Broncos in Saturday’s preseason game, delivering a performance that underscored his readiness to contribute in multiple ways.
Estime led Denver’s running backs in both rushing yardage and total yards from scrimmage, turning eight carries into 45 rushing yards and 53 yards from scrimmage overall, at an average of 5.6 yards per carry. He spent a sizable stretch on the field, helping to anchor a drive and show the coaching staff what he can do across different facets of the position.
“I feel like they kept me out there for a good amount of time, and that was definitely appreciated,” Estime said. “I showed I can pass-protect, catch the ball and run the rock. And yeah, that felt good to be out there for a whole drive.”
There’s a clear storyline around roster spots at the position, with RJ Harvey and J.K. Dobbins referenced as strong contenders at the top of the depth chart. With Dobbins taking Saturday off, Tyler Badie saw first-team action for the Broncos and showcased his pass-protecting ability, a skill that could help him lock down a spot on the 53-man roster. The competition also features Jaleel McLaughlin, a veteran presence who may be best used as a dynamic change-of-pace back. His 35-yard run was the longest Broncos rush of the preseason, illustrating Denver’s interest in a more varied ground game.
Estime’s path hasn’t been the same every step of the way. A combination of an early-season injury and ball-security lapses kept him from securing a larger role last year. By the wild-card round, he was a healthy scratch in favor of Badie, and the arrivals of Dobbins and Harvey further muddied the picture. Still, Estime has continued to push forward.
“To make the team is not up to me. It’s up to the coaching staff, and it’s honestly up to God,” he said, acknowledging the higher-level decisions at play. Payton also offered measured praise, noting that Estime “did a good job in general.”
What changed for Estime? He says he’s thinking less and playing faster, a product of his second year in the playbook and a deeper comfort with the system. Most importantly, he went through training camp and the preseason without a fumble, addressing one of the lingering concerns from last season and helping to build trust with the coaching staff.
The takeaway is clear: Estime is putting himself in position to compete for a roster spot, and the Broncos are watching closely to see whether his improved decisiveness, pass protection, and ball security translate into a meaningful role this season.
Summary: Estime’s preseason showing highlighted tangible progress—sound ball security, faster decision-making, and the ability to contribute as a receiver and in pass protection—while the roster math at running back remains unsettled. The coming weeks will determine whether he can convert this performance into a continued role in Denver’s backfield.
Additional note: If you’re tracking roster odds, the emphasis on rapid decision-making and secure ball handling could be the deciding factor for Estime as teams trim to 53 players. A positive summer showing like this keeps him in the conversation as a potential depth piece or change-of-pace option, depending on how the rest of the auditions go.