The Denver Broncos are entering training camp with three running backs looking to earn the starting spot. After the release of Willis McGahee, the spot to be the No. 1 running back is up for grabs. Peyton Manning has expressed his desire for a more balanced offensive attack in order to take some pressure off him. While fifth-year back Knowshon Moreno is the likely option, the Broncos are naming Ronnie Hillman the starter for the time being.
Hillman is entering his second year in the NFL. He sat third on the depth chart most of the last season, while stepping in when McGahee or Moreno were injured, which happened a lot. He racked up 330 yards off 85 carries with one touchdown. The Denver Post reports the running back has shown enough potential to enter training camp as the starting back for the team.
It will be expected that Moreno and rookie Montee Ball with compete to win over the spot from Hillman. Manning was very impressed with what he has seen from Ball just in offseason workouts. For now, the Broncos plan on using Ball as a third-down running back while mixed in the rotation on early downs.
Ball and Manning worked together heavily in the offseason. The quarterback praised the rookie for his ability to quickly pick up the team's offense and look comfortable on the field.
"We're just kind of going through plays, going through games, getting him comfortable hearing audibles at the line of scrimmage. Because we are going to count on him in a big way this year. He's a rookie, but coach Fox isn't going to bring him along slowly," Manning said.
Do not expect Moreno to give up without a fight. The 26-year-old is entering into the final year of his rookie contract and is looking to prove he is worthy of an extension. The issue is his durability. Moreno's injury history has left the Broncos looking at other options. He will enter training camp coming off of offseason knee surgery after getting hit during the team's playoff loss to the Baltimore Ravens. He also tore his ACL back in 2011, hurting his chances even more.
If Moreno can come back healthy and in top form, he is the likely option as the starting running back, but for now Fox and team are putting their faith in Hillman to get the offense going. Ball will remain a stabilizing option, but as a rookie he still has a ways to go before becoming a starter.