By Denver Broncos running back Tyler Badie collapsed on the sideline and was stretchered off the field during Sunday’s game against the New York Jets, causing a temporary delay in play.
Badie, 24, initially walked off the field under his own power after a hard hit from Jets linebacker Quincy Williams on a screen pass. The play resulted in a fumble, which the Jets recovered.
Shortly after reaching the sideline, Badie collapsed, prompting immediate medical attention. He was stabilized and taken off the field on a stretcher as the game was paused.
The Broncos later announced that Badie was ruled out for the remainder of the game with a back injury. Following Denver’s victory over the Jets, Broncos head coach Sean Payton told reporters he had “no update” on Badie’s status or whether the player would travel back with the team.
“We’re obviously very concerned about Tyler,” Payton said. “Our medical team is evaluating him, and we’ll provide more information as it becomes available.”
Badie, a former standout at the University of Missouri, was leading the Broncos in rushing yards among running backs coming into Sunday’s game. He was recently promoted from the practice squad to the 53-man roster.
The incident has raised questions about player safety and the NFL’s protocols for handling on-field injuries. The league’s concussion protocols have been under increased scrutiny in recent years, though it’s unclear if Badie’s collapse was related to a head injury.
As the Broncos await further information on Badie’s condition, the team will likely need to adjust its running back rotation for upcoming games.
Badie was a sixth-round pick by the Baltimore Ravens in the 2022 NFL draft before joining the Broncos’ practice squad.
