Denver Broncos have another running back who needs to be unleashed

Travis Wakeman

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Denver Broncos have another running back who needs to be unleashed image

During the Denver Broncos Week 3 win over the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, the team was given a huge jolt in the running game from a player most people around the league wouldn't have expected. 

Tyler Badie (and yes, his name is pronounced "Bidet" and not Bay-dee) left another good impression with the opportunities he had on Sunday. Badie looked great in the preseason but he was behind a logjam of running backs, even if it seemed obvious that Samaje Perine would no longer be in the team's plans. 

He was waived and then re-signed to the team's practice squad. Last week, he was elevated from the practice squad following the injury to Audric Estime. He was given just one rushing attempt against the Pittsburgh Steelers but gained 16 yards on that carry, prompting questions about him needing more chances. 

Sean Payton answered that question on Monday following the Week 2 loss, but it didn't seem to be something he was too concerned about. However, he gave Badie much more run in Week 3 and that paid off. 

Badie continued where he left off in the preseason, racking up big yardage each time he touched the ball and averaging nearly eight yards per carry on his nine rushing attempts. He finished the game with a team-leading 70 yards. 

Broncos need to work Tyler Badie into the offense much more

The Broncos will likely continue to favor Javonte Williams and Jaleel McLaughlin in the pecking order, but both have been largely ineffective this season. McLaughlin did score a touchdown against Tampa Bay, but he had just seven yards on five carries. Williams had 12 yards on five carries. 

Badie was easily the most explosive running back on Sunday and that could easily continue going forward. As long as Estime continues to miss time, Badie should be part of the active roster and if he performs well enough, beyond that. 

The Broncos have something here. Badie has played well in preseason games for the Broncos in each of the last two seasons. It's time to give him a more extended look as a major fixture in this offensive attack. 

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Travis Wakeman

Travis Wakeman Photo

Travis Wakeman has been covering the NFL since 2012 when he started with Bleacher Report. After reporting about the Broncos there until 2016, he joined the FanSided network as a site expert covering the San Diego/Los Angeles Chargers while simultaneously covering the Broncos at Broncos Wire when that site launched. He then took over the Broncos site at FanSided in March 2020 and covered the team there until spring of 2024. A lifelong Broncos fan and fan of the game, Travis is filled with sometimes useless NFL knowledge, but it always serves him well in any trivia contest. You can follow him on Twitter/X @traviswakeman10.