The Broncos are not expected to elevate running back Tyler Badie off injured reserve this season, a source said Saturday.

Badie suffered a back injury Sept. 29 at the New York Jets and was placed on injured reserve. He is now healthy and had his 21-day practice window opened Dec. 24. However, the source said the only way Badie could end up being activated is if the Broncos make the playoffs and they have injuries at running back.

Badie was listed as questionable on Friday for Sunday’s regular-season finale against Kansas City before being downgraded Saturday to out prior to the team’s roster moves being announced. 

The source said the Broncos are set at running back with Jaleel McLaughlin, rookie Audric Estime, Javonte Williams and Blake Watson. If there are injuries at the position in a first potential playoff game at Buffalo and the Broncos advance to a second playoff game, Badie would remain eligible to be activated. Badie, who rushed for 86 yards on 11 carries in three games this season, is under contract for 2025.

The Broncos on Saturday elevated defensive lineman Matt Henningsen from the practice squad for the third straight game and for his final allowed elevation of the season. Henningsen did not play the two previous times after being elevated and it would be surprise if he is active against the Chiefs.

Broncos coach Sean Payton has been rewarding players this season with elevations without making them active in order to get them a full game check. That includes rookie offensive lineman Nick Gargiulo also having been elevated for three games and wide receiver David Sills V for one.

A win or a tie against the Chiefs would assure the Broncos (9-7) their first playoff berth since 2015.