The Denver Broncos have placed rookie running back Audric Estime on injured reserve, according to the NFL’s transaction wire. Estime has an ankle injury, according to ESPN’s Adam Schefter.
Parker is not expected to need surgery, according to the Denver Post‘s Parker Gabriel. NFL rules allow Estime to return after four games, but it’s unclear how long the running back’s recovery time will last.
To fill Estime’s former spot on the 53-man roster, the Broncos promoted fullback Michael Burton from the practice squad to the active roster. To fill Burton’s former spot on the practice squad, Denver signed wide receiver Kaden Davis before Wednesday’s practice.
Estime had a limited role in the team’s season opener on Sunday, rushing twice for 14 yards with one fumble. The next man up as the new third-string running back is rookie Blake Watson. The Broncos also have Tyler Badie on the practice squad.
Javonte Williams and Jaleel McLaughlin remain Denver’s top two running backs going into Week 2.
