Who Should I Start? Audric Estime or Ollie Gordon II

Friday, May 30, 5:30 PM

On Thursday, Denver Broncos head coach Sean Payton noted that running back Audric Estime will garner increased opportunities in his second season with the team. "He's a back that requires enough touches," said Payton. "He's going to get those opportunities." The former fifth-round rookie was undoubtedly lacking in opportunities in 2024 -- placing fourth on the team in carries and rushing yards behind backfield mates Javonte Williams and Jaleel McLaughlin and quarterback Bo Nix. Estime was a productive player in his final season at Notre Dame, finishing with 1,341 yards and 18 rushing scores in 12 games. However, Denver's recent selection of RJ Harvey in the second round adds formidable competition in the backfield. Harvey is slotted in first on the team's unofficial depth chart, ahead of Estime for now. The latter projects to be more of a traditional short-yardage back due to his larger stature, but Harvey is also a force between the tackles and profiles as a better pass-catcher despite poor pass-protection skills.

Monday, August 11, 7:38 AM

Miami Dolphins running back Ollie Gordon II carried the ball eight times for 33 yards and a touchdown while catching one of his three targets for 39 yards in a 24-24 preseason tie with the Chicago Bears on Sunday. Gordon took over the backfield late in the third quarter and made an excellent first impression, finding the end zone on a one-yard rush in the fourth quarter. The rookie played behind De'Von Achane, Jaylen Wright, and Alexander Mattison in the contest. Still, he emerged as the most productive player from the Miami rushing attack on Sunday as he is vying for a role in the backfield when the regular season opens. He will be back in action on Saturday as the Dolphins take on the Detroit Lions in their second preseason contest.