SEAN PAYTON APOLOGISES FOR PLAY THAT INJURED JAYLEN WADDLE

Denver Broncos head coach Sean Payton apologised for calling a reverse play on which wide receiver Jaylen Waddle suffered a chest injury against the Arizona Cardinals on Sunday. Quarterback Bo Nix flipped the ball towards Waddle in the backfield, but Waddle could not control it. Waddle jumped on the loose ball to prevent a turnover and remained down after the play. He did not return as Denver won 30-16. Payton raised the call at his post-match press conference and said: “It was awful. I'm sorry.”

The play came in the fourth quarter, with Denver holding a substantial lead and only minutes remaining. Payton recalled a reverse he called in 2008 that ended in a fumble before Tampa Bay beat his team. “I know better. Every once in a while you fall in love with a play,” he said. Waddle joined Denver this off-season after five years with the Miami Dolphins. He caught four passes for 48 yards against Arizona, according to the reported game figures.

Reported season figures put Waddle on 26 receptions for 276 yards and one touchdown. Payton gave no detailed update on Waddle’s condition after the game. Denver next faces the Kansas City Chiefs in a Week 8 divisional game. Waddle’s availability for that game remains unconfirmed.