Denver Broncos running back Tyler Buddie collapsed on the sideline during Sunday’s game against the New York Jets and was carried off the sideline on a stretcher with a back injury.
He appeared to be injured in a tackle a few plays before going down.
Buddy was hit in the back by linebacker Quincy Williams’ helmet and landed face-first on the turf. He committed a fumble on the play and the Jets recovered the turnover. Buddy left the field after the hit and collapsed on the sideline a few plays later.
Broncos athletic training staff tended to Buddy, who was lying on his back, and placed him on a stretcher. He became incapacitated and was carried off the field.
According to the CBS broadcast, Buddy was making moves on the sideline.
The Broncos then announced that Buddy was diagnosed with a back injury. Officially, he was listed as questionable for return. The specific nature of the injuries was not initially clear.
Buddy, 24, is in his third year as a pro after playing at the University of Missouri. He was drafted by the Ravens in the sixth round of the 2022 draft and spent most of his rookie season on Baltimore’s practice squad. The Broncos signed him from Baltimore’s practice squad in 2022 and he has remained in Denver ever since.
Buddy appeared in just one game for the Broncos in 2023 and was integrated into the offense this season. He entered Sunday’s game with 10 rushes for 86 yards. He gained 70 yards on nine carries in Denver’s Week 3 win over the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.