Denver Broncos running back Tyler Badie (back) is doing better but is still being evaluated following Sunday’s injury against the New York Jets, coach Sean Payton said during a conference call with reporters on Monday.
“He didn’t come back with the team, but he came back commercially later in the evening,” Payton said. “We’re still evaluating him now. He’s doing better. Everyone that’s reached out, we appreciate the concerns. Fortunately, he was able to come back before the day ended.”
The running back is a candidate for injured reserve, but he might be able to return later this season, according to NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport.
Badie (5-8, 197 pounds) was hit from behind by Jets linebacker Quincy Williams in the first quarter and fumbled the ball. Badie was then able to make his way to the sideline, but he quickly went down on the ground and was later placed on a backboard and loaded onto a cart and taken into the locker room.
After the game, Broncos coach Sean Payton twice said he had “no update” on the running back’s status, but reports emerged later in the evening that Badie was expected to be OK.
Before exiting Sunday’s game in New Jersey, Badie had one carry for no yards and two receptions that lost four yards. He was in line to get more touches against the Jets after rushing for 70 yards in Week 3.
If Denver opts to hold Badie out of next week’s game against the Las Vegas Raiders, rookie Blake Watson would be the next man up behind Javonte Williams and Jaleel McLaughlin.
