In a move that was not a surprise, the Broncos on Saturday placed running back Tyler Badie on injured reserve with a back injury suffered last Sunday against the New York Jets.

Coach Sean Payton had said Wednesday Badie “possibly” would be put on injured reserve. Badie must miss at least the next four games, but a source said he is expected to return this season.

Also Saturday, the Broncos elevated linebacker Levelle Bailey from the practice squad to the active roster for the second straight game. He has been needed after Alex Singleton’s season ended due to a torn right ACL.

In a 10-9 win over the Jets at MetLife Stadium, Badie was hurt late in the first quarter when he was hit by linebacker Quincy Williams and lost a fumble. Badie was immobilized and taken off the field on a board on a stretcher.

Badie spent time at a local hospital, but a source said it was determined not to be a long-term injury. He was able to return to Denver last Sunday night on a commercial flight.

The Broncos did not immediately replace Badie on the active roster. Running back Audric Estime, who was placed on injured reserve after the Sept. 8 opener at Seattle due to an ankle injury, is eligible to return to the active roster after missing Sunday’s game against Las Vegas at Empower Field at Mile High. He could be activated for next Sunday’s home game against the Los Angeles Chargers.

With Badie injured and Estime still out Sunday, Denver’s third running back behind Javonte Williams and Jaleel McLaughlin is expected to be rookie Blake Watson, active for the first time.