Sean Payton: Reverse that led to Jaylen Waddle injury was an "awful" play call

Published October 25, 2026 08:22 PM Broncos wide receiver Jaylen Waddle left Sunday’s game against the Cardinals after suffering a chest injury on a fourth quarter play that head coach Sean Payton would like to have back. Payton tried to get the ball to Waddle on a reverse that saw quarterback Bo Nix flip the ball to the wideout in the backfield. Waddle couldn’t handle the flip and stayed down after jumping on the ball to avoid a turnover. Waddle did not return to the 30-16 win and Payton chastised himself for the call without being asked about it in his postgame press conference. “It was awful,” Payton said. Payton didn’t offer a detailed update on Waddle’s condition and it will be something to monitor as they move toward their Week 8 date with the Chiefs.