The New Orleans Saints waived running back Audric Estime from injured reserve with an injury settlement on Tuesday, abruptly ending his tenure with the club, via the NFL transaction log.
Estime, 23, had been placed on IR on Sept. 12 with a thigh injury after being ruled out of the season opener in Detroit. He had also dealt with an ankle injury in the preseason opener against Jacksonville.
The settlement allows him to finish rehab independently and sign with another team once healthy. Under NFL rules, he would have to wait additional weeks after the settlement period ends before he could rejoin New Orleans.
The move reflects a crowded Saints backfield more than a lack of production from Estime.
The former Notre Dame standout and 2024 fifth-round pick of the Denver Broncos impressed throughout training camp and made New Orleans’ initial 53-man roster.
Behind veteran Alvin Kamara’s return from a knee issue and the presence of Travis Etienne Jr., Kendre Miller, and undrafted rookie C.J. Donaldson, the Saints decided they could move on.
Miller was a healthy scratch in Week 2’s win over Baltimore. Zamir White remains on the practice squad. New Orleans made a similar IR settlement with running back Devin Neal earlier this month.
Estime’s path to New Orleans was winding. Denver drafted him 147th overall in 2024.
After a rookie year that included 310 rushing yards and two touchdowns in 13 games, he was waived in August 2025, spent time on the Philadelphia Eagles’ practice squad, and signed with the Saints in late October.
Promoted to the active roster in November, he played seven games last season, rushing 46 times for 198 yards and a touchdown while catching 12 passes for 103 yards. Career totals stand at 508 rushing yards and three scores on 122 carries across 20 games.
He had been signed to a two-year, $2.035 million contract with the Saints after last season. The injury settlement typically covers a portion of the salary he would have earned while on IR, giving both sides a clean break.
For Estime, it is another chance to prove he belongs as a physical, between-the-tackles runner who can contribute on passing downs.
For New Orleans, now 1-1, the decision is about roster flexibility and medical resources as much as depth. Estime showed enough in camp that another team will likely give him a look as soon as he is cleared.
Whether that is a contender needing a committee piece or a rebuilding club looking for a cheap, proven backup, the 5-foot-11, 227-pound back will get another opportunity to stay in the league.
