If the Denver Broncos are going to get the ground game going consistently in 2024, that starts with a healthy dose of Javonte Williams.
That was not the team's game plan, or the plan changed during the game, in Week 1 against the Seattle Seahawks. The Broncos featured Williams early, but in the second half, they went almost exclusively with Jaleel McLaughlin.
However, the team has been forced to put rookie running back Audric Estime on injured reserve with an ankle injury, meaning he will miss the next four games at a bare minimum. In that time, the Broncos need to turn back to Williams.
With Audric Estime placed on IR, I definitely feel more comfortable starting Javonte Williams this week.
— Frank Ammirante (@FAmmiranteTFJ) September 11, 2024
Sean Payton needs to wake up and feed his best back.
Now, Estime only saw three offensive snaps in Week 1 and he carried the ball twice for 14 yards. It seems that the Broncos want to ease Estime in and see how effective he can be, but when the team drafted him in the fifth round this year, it was clearly with the thought of him eventually replacing Williams down the road.
Williams touched the ball just nine times (8 carries, 1 reception) in Week 1. He needs to handle the ball much more in Week 2 and going forward.
Audric Estime eligible to return in Week 6
As Estime nurses his ankle injury, he will miss at least four games, per league rules. To take his spot on the 53-man roster, the Broncos have moved fullback Michael Burton up from the practice squad.
The earliest he can be back is October 13 when the Broncos host the Los Angeles Chargers, but he could be out longer. In the meantime, the Broncos could turn to undrafted rookie Blake Watson for some extra reps. Tyler Badie is also on the practice squad and could get some time on the main roster.
Burton was signed as a free agent last year and played in all 17 games as a fullback and special teams player. The team relegated him to the practice squad following the preseason but he was on the roster for last week's game vs. Seattle and could be back on the main roster going forward.
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