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Magnificent Seven
12-08-2008, 02:42 PM
As trainers tended to Broncos tailback Peyton Hillis' injured hamstring in the second quarter of a 24-17 victory Sunday over Kansas City, no one inside Invesco Field at Mile High was praying harder than Spencer Larsen.

Larsen, who made news with ironman linebacker-fullback double duty last month, realized he was just one more injury away from adding the title of tailback to his expansive Broncos resume.

"I doubt we would have run the ball, but I was prepared," Larsen said.

Fortunately for the Broncos — who dressed only two tailbacks for the game — Hillis' backup, Tatum Bell, was able to finish the game unscathed, and Larsen was able to stay on the sideline.

"When Hillis went down, I said: 'Tatum, you can't go down. That's it,' " coach Mike Shanahan said.

The situation was eerily similar to the worst-case scenario that happened to the Broncos last month at Cleveland, when injuries to Ryan Torain and Selvin Young forced Denver to move Hillis from fullback to tailback in the first place.

In that game, the Broncos ran Hillis just enough in the second half but operated mostly with an empty backfield.

Bell, who rejoined the team on Nov. 11 after being out of football for more than two months, was effective enough to allow the Broncos to continue with their game plan against the Chiefs. He stayed in the game for the duration of the second half and finished with 52 yards on 11 carries, including a 28-yard run on Denver's game-winning drive early in the fourth quarter. Hillis had a team-high 58 yards before he was injured.

"They've been getting me ready for it in case this situation happened," Bell said. "I'm ready for it. When they need me, I'm there for them."

Depending on the extent of Hillis' injury, the Broncos might need Bell in the final three-game stretch of the regular season.

Hillis strained his right hamstring after making an acrobatic catch on a high pass from Jay Cutler in the second quarter. Trainers helped him walk slowly off the field, and he did not return to the game.

Shanahan said he has seen similar injuries take a month to heal, but had no specific timetable for when Hillis would be able to return.

Hillis was walking without assistance in the locker room and said his hamstring felt "tight."

"I don't think it's a bad injury at all. I just have to get the treatment and get ready," Hillis said. "It's one of those things you have to play through. We just want to make sure everything's OK."

The Broncos played with only two tailbacks against the Chiefs, but even with Hillis' injury, the team has options for the rest of the regular season.

Selvin Young, the starter for the first five games of the season, practiced in full last week for the first time since suffering a groin injury on Oct. 5.

Young, along with reserve back P.J. Pope, was listed as probable against the Chiefs, but those two were benched in favor of players coaches felt could contribute more on special teams.

Shanahan said the team also plans to sign running back Cory Boyd from the practice squad. Boyd, a rookie from South Carolina, joined the team on Nov. 4 after being waived by Tampa Bay at the start of the preseason.

"We have a couple of guys that we feel can still go out there and perform," Shanahan said.

Larsen, who still is recovering from a nasty bruise on his left hip suffered last week against the Jets, said at times the Broncos' running back room looks like an infirmary ward. The Broncos have four backs — Michael Pittman, Andre Hall, Torain and Anthony Alridge — on injured reserve, and Young has been ailing for months.

"You can't say, 'Why us?' No one is to blame. It's just the luck of the draw," Larsen said. "It just shows the character and resilience of the team that we can plug a new guy in there and not make excuses."

http://www.denverpost.com/broncos/ci_11164453

LRtagger
12-08-2008, 02:45 PM
I really hope we can beat Carolina and clinch the division. This would allow for us to plug in the other RBs in the last two games (including getting Larsen some carries) just in case we need them in the playoffs.

Magnificent Seven
12-08-2008, 02:47 PM
Denver Broncos running back Peyton Hillis will miss the rest of the season with a strained right hamstring, ESPN senior NFL analyst Chris Mortensen is reporting. Hillis is expected to be placed on injured reserve Monday.

Hillis was hurt during the Broncos' 24-17 victory over the Kansas City Chiefs on Sunday, finishing with eight rushes for 58 yards and catching one pass for 11 yards. Tatum Bell replaced Hillis.

Hillis is the sixth Broncos tailback to be injured this season. Michael Pittman, Anthony Aldridge, Andre Hall and Ryan Torain are already on injured reserve; Selvin Young has been bothered by a groin injury.

http://sports.espn.go.com/nfl/news/story?id=3754789

Magnificent Seven
12-08-2008, 02:48 PM
Denver Broncos running back Peyton Hillis will miss the rest of the season with a strained right hamstring, ESPN senior NFL analyst Chris Mortensen is reporting. Hillis is expected to be placed on injured reserve Monday.

Hillis was hurt during the Broncos' 24-17 victory over the Kansas City Chiefs on Sunday, finishing with eight rushes for 58 yards and catching one pass for 11 yards. Tatum Bell replaced Hillis.

Hillis is the sixth Broncos tailback to be injured this season. Michael Pittman, Anthony Aldridge, Andre Hall and Ryan Torain are already on injured reserve; Selvin Young has been bothered by a groin injury.

http://sports.espn.go.com/nfl/news/story?id=3754789

What a bummer!

Zweems56
12-08-2008, 02:52 PM
Denver Broncos running back Peyton Hillis will miss the rest of the season with a strained right hamstring, ESPN senior NFL analyst Chris Mortensen is reporting. Hillis is expected to be placed on injured reserve Monday.

Hillis was hurt during the Broncos' 24-17 victory over the Kansas City Chiefs on Sunday, finishing with eight rushes for 58 yards and catching one pass for 11 yards. Tatum Bell replaced Hillis.

Hillis is the sixth Broncos tailback to be injured this season. Michael Pittman, Anthony Aldridge, Andre Hall and Ryan Torain are already on injured reserve; Selvin Young has been bothered by a groin injury.

http://sports.espn.go.com/nfl/news/story?id=3754789

god **EDIT** damn it shit ballsack ****!

Medford Bronco
12-08-2008, 02:55 PM
Dont place him on IR if he can come back in 1st week of Jan. :mad:

claymore
12-08-2008, 02:55 PM
Denver Broncos running back Peyton Hillis will miss the rest of the season with a strained right hamstring, ESPN senior NFL analyst Chris Mortensen is reporting. Hillis is expected to be placed on injured reserve Monday.

Hillis was hurt during the Broncos' 24-17 victory over the Kansas City Chiefs on Sunday, finishing with eight rushes for 58 yards and catching one pass for 11 yards. Tatum Bell replaced Hillis.

Hillis is the sixth Broncos tailback to be injured this season. Michael Pittman, Anthony Aldridge, Andre Hall and Ryan Torain are already on injured reserve; Selvin Young has been bothered by a groin injury.

http://sports.espn.go.com/nfl/news/story?id=3754789

Par for the course.

DenBronx
12-08-2008, 02:59 PM
well tickle my nuts and call me sally.

DenBronx
12-08-2008, 03:01 PM
Dont place him on IR if he can come back in 1st week of Jan. :mad:

seriously, i mean there's a chance he will be out 4 weeks and what if we do get through the 1st round?

bcbronc
12-08-2008, 03:04 PM
I really hope we can beat Carolina and clinch the division. This would allow for us to plug in the other RBs in the last two games (including getting Larsen some carries) just in case we need them in the playoffs.

Carolina's been pretty tough at home so far this season (6-0 going into tonights game), so I'm at the point where I'm okay with avoiding more injuries by simply forfeiting that game. then clinch the division next week against Buffalo.

I'm surprised Hillis is getting IR'd. I'd think a hamstring would at least have a shot at healing up for the playoffs. maybe we're nearing in on a record for backs on IR in one season or something. :confused:

G_Money
12-08-2008, 03:06 PM
Hillis won’t tell them if it hurts. He’ll claim to be fine.

I’m okay with shoving him on IR so it heals right.

I know every year you can get in the playoffs is a potential championship year but this team isn’t really built for it. I’d rather keep the kid healthy for our upcoming series of championship runs than give him a chronic hamstring problem or potentially tear the thing completely in our most unlikely year for that sort of success.

~G

LRtagger
12-08-2008, 03:09 PM
Carolina's been pretty tough at home so far this season (6-0 going into tonights game), so I'm at the point where I'm okay with avoiding more injuries by simply forfeiting that game. then clinch the division next week against Buffalo.


Atlanta is 5-1 at home. Guess who their only loss at home was to?

bcbronc
12-08-2008, 03:24 PM
Atlanta is 5-1 at home. Guess who their only loss at home was to?

combined, the NFC South has two total losses at home. odds are slim that we provide 2 of 3. it could happen, but so could losing a couple more HBs. ;)

LRtagger
12-08-2008, 03:39 PM
combined, the NFC South has two total losses at home. odds are slim that we provide 2 of 3. it could happen, but so could losing a couple more HBs. ;)


At the same time we are 3-0 against said division.

broncofaninfla
12-08-2008, 03:45 PM
Hillis is out for the season. This SUCKS! :mad:

broncofaninfla
12-08-2008, 03:47 PM
I just got the text from CBS, Hillis is out for the season

MileHighWrath
12-08-2008, 03:48 PM
Got the same text... torn hammy.

Spencer Larsen's turn at RB?

Kaylore
12-08-2008, 03:48 PM
That sucks.

BigDaddyBronco
12-08-2008, 03:49 PM
Wow, what a weird year.

Lonestar
12-08-2008, 03:53 PM
http://blog.denverbroncos.com/denverbroncos/2008/12/08/hillis-done-for-the-year/
Hillis Done for the Year
Head Coach Mike Shanahan just announced in his press conference that Peyton Hillis will be placed on injured reserve after tearing his hamstring in Sunday’s win over the Chiefs.



Shanahan said it would be approximately an eight-week recovery for the rookie fullback.

This is another blow to the Broncos running back corps that has already seen four backs placed on IR — Anthony Alridge, Andre Hall, Michael Pittman and Ryan Torain.

Hillis had been playing well against the Chiefs, carrying eight times for 58 yards and a touchdown. He injured his hamstring while receiving a pass from Jay Cutler, leaping up high for the grab. As he came down with the ball, he landed with his leg fully extended, resulting in the tear.

He tore the hamstring a few inches off the bone, and Shanahan said that Hillis would be seeing a specialist to try and find out if the injury requires surgery. As of now, the team doesn’t believe that surgery will be required.

The rookie out of Arkansas had just won the Diet Pepsi NFL Rookie of the Week award for his 100+ yard performance against the Jets.

Shanahan also said that the team would be signing practice squad running back Cory Boyd to the active roster.



DOUBLE BUMMER

tomjonesrocks
12-08-2008, 03:55 PM
Ridiculous.

This probably will kill the momentum the team has managed over the past few weeks. Brandon Marshall was our power run game yesterday.

Bell outside of the one breakaway run was as ineffective as an NFL running back can be.

Terrible news.

If we're not going to play Larsen in Webster's spot (and I think we should) we might as well see what he can do with the rock.

broncofaninfla
12-08-2008, 03:56 PM
Wow, the changes the dynamics of our running game. Hillis gave us the power running game that is so valuable this time of year. He has literally been carrying this team on his shoulders at times and was a huge reason we have turned things around.

NightTrainLayne
12-08-2008, 03:56 PM
Unbelievable.

BroncoJoe
12-08-2008, 03:56 PM
FotherMucker.

broncofaninfla
12-08-2008, 03:57 PM
As much as I like Larsen, he isn't a RB. It's going to be up to Bell, Boyd and the guys who's names I can't even remeber right now. Sucks.............

tomjonesrocks
12-08-2008, 04:00 PM
Boyd, huh. What do we know about him?

Nick
12-08-2008, 04:00 PM
As much as I like Larsen, he isn't a RB. It's going to be up to Bell, Boyd and the guys who's names I can't even remeber right now. Sucks.............


Can't say Boyd sucks just yet... Him and chauncy washington were my sleepers last year. I think he will do good in our offense. I am pissed about hillis though!

Nick
12-08-2008, 04:01 PM
Boyd, huh. What do we know about him?

He is a bad ass :salute:

One of the main reasons he droppped in draft (Character issues).

Dreadnought
12-08-2008, 04:02 PM
CRAP!!!!

Language filter restrictions and CofC will not allow me to fully express my thoughts here. G is rightthough; save him 'til '09. Time to see if tatum can recapture some of his '05 magic, or if Pope is the next TD :tsk:

MileHighWrath
12-08-2008, 04:07 PM
I woner, in the history of the NFL has a team lost as many RBs as the Broncos in '08? And the year isn't even over yet! If I'm T. Bell I can't help but be very very afraid right now.

corzman69
12-08-2008, 04:09 PM
His parents being at the game jinxed him !

pnbronco
12-08-2008, 04:09 PM
So since we can saw crap, well double crap. Hillis has done so much for this team. He just would not give up and has shown what having heart means. Saying all that I totally agree with G. Hillis will act like he is ok and he can play and could hurt himself for the future and I really don't want that to happen.

Dang it, dang it, dang it....

ikillz0mbies
12-08-2008, 04:24 PM
I wonder how much G is craving for Tashard Choice now....

deacon
12-08-2008, 04:25 PM
From: Denverbroncos.com

« Broncos vs. Chiefs: Fourth Quarter NotesHillis Done for the Year
Head Coach Mike Shanahan just announced in his press conference that Peyton Hillis will be placed on injured reserve after tearing his hamstring in Sunday’s win over the Chiefs.



Shanahan said it would be approximately an eight-week recovery for the rookie fullback.

This is another blow to the Broncos running back corps that has already seen four backs placed on IR — Anthony Alridge, Andre Hall, Michael Pittman and Ryan Torain.

Hillis had been playing well against the Chiefs, carrying eight times for 58 yards and a touchdown. He injured his hamstring while receiving a pass from Jay Cutler, leaping up high for the grab. As he came down with the ball, he landed with his leg fully extended, resulting in the tear.

He tore the hamstring a few inches off the bone, and Shanahan said that Hillis would be seeing a specialist to try and find out if the injury requires surgery. As of now, the team doesn’t believe that surgery will be required.

The rookie out of Arkansas had just won the Diet Pepsi NFL Rookie of the Week award for his 100+ yard performance against the Jets.

Shanahan also said that the team would be signing practice squad running back Cory Boyd to the active roster.

– Adam Zinser, DenverBroncos.com

shank
12-08-2008, 04:26 PM
I wonder how much G is craving for Tashard Choice now....

if we'd have drafted choice, he'd of been on IR by week 3. not even hypotheticals are safe from the 08 injury curse.

frauschieze
12-08-2008, 04:34 PM
Who's taking bets on how long it takes for Taters to go on IR?

Lonestar
12-08-2008, 04:56 PM
How's taking bets on how long it takes for Taters to go on IR?


one can only hope..:laugh:

Den21vsBal19
12-08-2008, 05:02 PM
I woner, in the history of the NFL has a team lost as many RBs as the Broncos in '08? And the year isn't even over yet! If I'm T. Bell I can't help but be very very afraid right now.
Running backs??????

We've gotta be pushing the all time IR record!!!!! :frusty:

Den21vsBal19
12-08-2008, 05:04 PM
How's taking bets on how long it takes for Taters to go on IR?
1st carry of the second quarter of game 15....................

As everyone else has done, he'll have one good game before collapsing in a heap after a strong gust of wind ;)

Slick
12-08-2008, 05:07 PM
How's taking bets on how long it takes for Taters to go on IR?

No shit.

All teams deal with injuries, but this is ridiculous. I said it in the gameday thread last night, I think this may be Shanahan's finest coaching job yet.

Lonestar
12-08-2008, 05:10 PM
No shit.

All teams deal with injuries, but this is ridiculous. I said it in the gameday thread last night, I think this may be Shanahan's finest coaching job yet.


to bad we can't say the same for slowick.. just think where this team might be had we played the talent on Defense and for that matter Hillis earlier in the year..

WARHORSE
12-08-2008, 05:10 PM
All I know is, I love watchin the kid play. He MAKES PLAYS. That catch he injured himself on was flat dynamic. Who else would have done that? Far as Im concerned, because of Hillis, we will not draft a RB in the first couple rounds in next years draft.

I love the way he runs. I love the way he plays.

And since he hasnt played tailback in forever, who thinks he would have continued to get better with each game?

Me.

Lonestar
12-08-2008, 05:15 PM
All I know is, I love watchin the kid play. He MAKES PLAYS. That catch he injured himself on was flat dynamic. Who else would have done that? Far as Im concerned, because of Hillis, we will not draft a RB in the first couple rounds in next years draft.

I love the way he runs. I love the way he plays.

And since he hasnt played tailback in forever, who thinks he would have continued to get better with each game?

Me.

He certainly is a player that just wants to play.. I'm sure he was devastated to hear they would not let him suit up on Sunday.. That he is done for the year.. he is a warrior..

Slick
12-08-2008, 05:15 PM
to bad we can't say the same for slowick.. just think where this team might be had we played the talent on Defense and for that matter Hillis earlier in the year..

True.

I'm dying to know what he's going to do with Woodyard when DJ comes back. He better find a way to keep that kid on the field.

Lonestar
12-08-2008, 05:25 PM
True.

I'm dying to know what he's going to do with Woodyard when DJ comes back. He better find a way to keep that kid on the field.

the moron will bench him..

They could fire slowish today and the rest of the season would probably improve..

haroldthebarrel
12-08-2008, 05:34 PM
Jævla forpulte dobbeltfaan i helvetes jævla fitte!

To spare the children this rant is in another language!

Lonestar
12-08-2008, 05:44 PM
***** ******* ********* I ****** ***** !
To spare the children this rant is in another language!


Edited for word filter infraction

haroldthebarrel
12-08-2008, 05:48 PM
Edited for word filter infraction

wow.... you got the "i" right. I am impressed. it is of course a preposition.

I earned myself a warning though if all is to be fair.
But that news just break my heart. I had to vent!:mad:

tomjonesrocks
12-08-2008, 06:18 PM
Well, from the of-little-value "tribute video" I just watched on YouTube about Boyd it appears he's fairly big (unlike Pope) and appeared to take on would-be tacklers. He looked better in his little video than Torain did (in his similar videos) to me...

Hopefully he can give a change of pace for Tatum--but these injuries are tiring and discouraging. Looking forward to seeing you again next year Peyton...

gregbroncs
12-08-2008, 06:36 PM
This is unbelievable. Are the Broncos going to sign the ball boy to play RB now?

CHARLIEADAMSFAN
12-08-2008, 06:54 PM
Whos next? I doubt a ball boy but seriously Mike Bell?

Lonestar
12-08-2008, 06:55 PM
Whos next? I doubt a ball boy but seriously Mike Bell?


suit up Bobby Turner..

Den21vsBal19
12-08-2008, 06:59 PM
This is unbelievable. Are the Broncos going to sign the ball boy to play RB now?
A new game day lottery.............

'Starting at running back for the Denver Broncos is the season ticket holder in seat........' ;)

Lonestar
12-08-2008, 07:01 PM
A new game day lottery.............

'Starting at running back for the Denver Broncos is the season ticket holder in seat........' ;)


outstanding post glad I was not drinking when I read it.. would have had another KEYBOARD issue..

But then again only in DEN could that happen..

MOtorboat
12-08-2008, 07:22 PM
Hadn't had a chance to read through the Bronco forum this afternoon, and just heard Mort say this on Monday Night Countdown. Sucks ass.

He noted that when he talked to Shanahan, that Shanahan pointed out Cutler as a runner, and apparently during a film session last week, he showed everyone a reel of Cutler making "football plays," which include rushing and blocking plays, and told the team, "I hope everyone plays as hard as our quarterback."

I bet we see a lot of the spread with Cutler and Bell the rest of the season. Boyd and Pope will probably get the runs when Cutler is under center.

The playcalling should be interesting to watch the next two weeks.

blueblood15
12-08-2008, 07:40 PM
Hadn't had a chance to read through the Bronco forum this afternoon, and just heard Mort say this on Monday Night Countdown. Sucks ass.

He noted that when he talked to Shanahan, that Shanahan pointed out Cutler as a runner, and apparently during a film session last week, he showed everyone a reel of Cutler making "football plays," which include rushing and blocking plays, and told the team, "I hope everyone plays as hard as our quarterback."

I bet we see a lot of the spread with Cutler and Bell the rest of the season. Boyd and Pope will probably get the runs when Cutler is under center.

The playcalling should be interesting to watch the next two weeks.

I think the play calling should stay the same. Definitely establish the RUN so the play action works. Cutler does great out of the pocket...OBVIOUSLY... If you look at all the backs we've gone through this year they have over 1000 yards and are averaging 4.5 yards a carry (not including Royal Marshall or Cutler when they run) I think Tatum, PJ, and Selvin will be just fine and we should continue to use the run as we have been.

MOtorboat
12-08-2008, 07:45 PM
I think the play calling should stay the same. Definitely establish the RUN so the play action works. Cutler does great out of the pocket...OBVIOUSLY... If you look at all the backs we've gone through this year they have over 1000 yards and are averaging 4.5 yards a carry (not including Royal Marshall or Cutler when they run) I think Tatum, PJ, and Selvin will be just fine and we should continue to use the run as we have been.

Cutler actually probably works best on the move or in the shotgun.

I'd love to see a lot of creativity from Shanahan in the play-calling.

Bronco9798
12-08-2008, 07:45 PM
I have a man-crush on Hillis. I'm going to miss him. I was thinking he was going to be the key in the playoffs.

G_Money
12-08-2008, 07:49 PM
I wonder how much G is craving for Tashard Choice now....

You mean the Tashard Choice that put up 166 yards of offense against the Steelers? The one we passed on in order to draft the eminently-breakable Torain and the so-far-non-existent Jack Williams?

That's not nice... :tsk: :D

We can make up for it in the upcoming draft, though. Bring me the head of Donald Brown.

Wait, the Broncos RB-destruction machine will probably take that literally.

Bring me ALL of Donald Brown, in a totally healthy package.

Preferrably cushioned in bubble wrap.

~G

blueblood15
12-08-2008, 07:54 PM
I have a man-crush on Hillis. I'm going to miss him. I was thinking he was going to be the key in the playoffs.

Me too! At the game yesterday I was like no!! I LOVE YOU PEYTON, you cant be hurt and this chiefs fan satrted calling me a fag.

Chidoze
12-08-2008, 08:15 PM
god **EDIT** damn it shit ballsack ****!
That's how I feel. :argh:

honz
12-08-2008, 10:08 PM
Fan-*******-tastic.

Hopefully Selvin can step up and give us some quality games...handing the rock to Bell 15-20 times a game just isn't gonna get it done. Who knows, maybe even PJ Pope can surprise us and contribute. I can't ever remember one position on one team being as ravaged as we are at RB. Incredible.

broncogirl7
12-08-2008, 10:10 PM
This totally sucks! I love the excitement we get with Hillis.
Thoughts are going out to you Hillis!
You are a freaking monster on the field and I can't wait to see you play again!

ikillz0mbies
12-08-2008, 10:37 PM
You mean the Tashard Choice that put up 166 yards of offense against the Steelers? The one we passed on in order to draft the eminently-breakable Torain and the so-far-non-existent Jack Williams?

That's not nice... :tsk: :D

We can make up for it in the upcoming draft, though. Bring me the head of Donald Brown.

Wait, the Broncos RB-destruction machine will probably take that literally.

Bring me ALL of Donald Brown, in a totally healthy package.

Preferrably cushioned in bubble wrap.

~G

Yes, that very Tashard Choice, who pretty much blew me away with the way he ran that ball, showing great vision as well. I didn't really know about him until you raved about him and watching him play last night. I don't even know about Donald Brown.

Anyway, it really is terrible that Hillis had to go on IR at this point in the season. The Broncos were at a time coming off some pretty surprising victories and a even more surprising loss. They throw in Hillis and he plays like a stud. Things start to look bright and BAM, he had to land in IR. Anyone think the RB position is now cursed? Yes I said it, cursed.

Superchop 7
12-08-2008, 10:56 PM
If you liked Hillis, you'd like Caulcrick.

BroncoTech
12-08-2008, 11:21 PM
Watching the Panthers tonight and it looks like they have 2 Hillis's out there, both backs well over 100 yards against the 4th overall defense of Tampa Bay.

Talk about a power running game...

NightTrainLayne
12-09-2008, 11:46 AM
So, this morning on the local sports radio, Pat Jones (former OSU HC/Miami Dolphins WR coach/Raiders WR coach/Fox Sports analysy) who is very well connected at Arkansas, says that part of the reason Hillis dropped so far in the draft is that he has an injury history as well, and that he was hurt quite a bit at Arkansas. . .

This was the first I had heard of this. .. anyone else have any insight on this? I just always assumed he went so late because he was a FB.

Lonestar
12-09-2008, 11:50 AM
So, this morning on the local sports radio, Pat Jones (former OSU HC/Miami Dolphins WR coach/Raiders WR coach/Fox Sports analysy) who is very well connected at Arkansas, says that part of the reason Hillis dropped so far in the draft is that he has an injury history as well, and that he was hurt quite a bit at Arkansas. . .

This was the first I had heard of this. .. anyone else have any insight on this? I just always assumed he went so late because he was a FB.

Tned could tell us because he is a hog fan..

But As far as I know it was the mcfadden factor how do you allow a big guy to run if you have mcfadden and Felix in front of him.. And that his blocking was HUGE reason they ran so well..

Sounds like the expert is pulling one out of his al davis..

NightTrainLayne
12-09-2008, 11:59 AM
Tned could tell us because he is a hog fan..

But As far as I know it was the mcfadden factor how do you allow a big guy to run if you have mcfadden and Felix in front of him.. And that his blocking was HUGE reason they ran so well..

Sounds like the expert is pulling one out of his al davis..

Well, he also said the Broncos got a bargain in picking up Hillis. . .back in August, so he knows a little bit about what he's talking about.

When Jones talks about teams that he's been involved in he always seems spot-on, so I'm inclined to believe him. I was more curious what types of injuries he's had. If Jones was totally off-base so be it, but I'm guessing there's something to it. .. he's one of those no-non-sense coach's who cuts right to the chase.

Lonestar
12-09-2008, 12:02 PM
Well, he also said the Broncos got a bargain in picking up Hillis. . .back in August, so he knows a little bit about what he's talking about.

When Jones talks about teams that he's been involved in he always seems spot-on, so I'm inclined to believe him. I was more curious what types of injuries he's had. If Jones was totally off-base so be it, but I'm guessing there's something to it. .. he's one of those no-non-sense coach's who cuts right to the chase.

I do not know him from Adam so he may well be spot on but I had heard nothing like this from anywhere.. Not that I followed him that strong but their where a couple of posters that loved him before the draft.. maybe someone else can shed a light on it that was closer than I..

Lonestar
12-09-2008, 12:33 PM
By Arnie Stapleton, AP Sports Writer
ENGLEWOOD, Colo. (AP) ― The Denver Broncos' backfield carousel shows no sign of slowing down.

Rookie Peyton Hillis, who had energized the offense over the last month, on Monday became the fifth Broncos tailback to go on injured reserve when medical tests showed he had a torn right hamstring behind the knee and could need surgery. He faces a two-month recovery.

The Broncos are now down to their seventh tailback in Tatum Bell.

Hillis had moved over from fullback with the spate of injuries to the Broncos' battered backfield and was the biggest surprise among a dozen rookies who are getting significant playing time in Denver this season.

He averaged 5 yards a carry and scored five times, including an 18-yard rumble Sunday before getting hurt in Denver's 24-17 win over Kansas City that put the Broncos (8-5) on the brink of the playoffs.

Hillis rushed for 343 yards and had 179 yards receiving with one touchdown catch. He quickly emerged as a fan favorite by running over safeties and bullying his way past first-down markers and the goal line alike.

"It's always tough to lose a guy like that," coach Mike Shanahan said. "But he will be good for the future. He's proved that he can play tailback in the National Football League, and that one catch he made was probably as good a catch as you could make in a very tough situation and unfortunately, he pulled his hamstring making that catch."

Hillis, who rushed eight times for 58 yards and caught one pass for 11 yards, made an acrobatic, leaping catch but when he landed, he was smothered by free safety Jarrad Page and cornerback Brandon Carr. Hillis was bent in half with his right foot planted and his right knee straight.

Shanahan said Hillis suffered a 2- to 3-inch tear of his right hamstring.

Hillis joins tailbacks Andre Hall, Michael Pittman, Anthony Alridge and Ryan Torain on IR. Plus, Selvin Young, the starter when the season began, has carried just once in the last two months because of a torn groin.

"It's disappointing you lose him at this time of year because he's a load and he's one of the few guys ever that I've watched that will actually run over safeties," Shanahan said of Hillis, a seventh-round draft pick from Arkansas who made his mark in college blocking for first-round draft picks Darren McFadden and Felix Jones.

The Broncos will promote Cory Boyd from the practice squad to compete with P.J. Pope to serve as Bell's backup.

Bell, who was selling cell phones at a local mall when he was re-signed last month, had a 28-yard run on Denver's winning 95-yard touchdown drive Sunday. He's rushed for 100 yards on 24 carries since his return to Denver, where he played from 2004-06.

After a dismal season in Detroit, he was jettisoned by the Lions and went to work hawking cell phones and wireless plans at a kiosk at the Aurora Mall before the Broncos came calling again last month.

"Well, when he's gotten his opportunity to play, he's played well," Shanahan said. "And he made a guy miss on that one sweep, and he did a nice job and got some big yards on that play. So, I've been pleased with him."

Taking advantage of his second chance, Bell has adjusted to the Broncos' offense faster than expected for somebody coming in at midseason and having been out of football and working 9-to-5.

"I think anytime somebody's out on the streets for a while, everybody gets humbled," Shanahan said. "If a coach has been fired, a player that's been cut, it's the same thing. You look forward to those opportunities and you take advantage of those opportunities once you get them.

"And Tatum's come in, worked extremely hard and he's taken advantage of an opportunity."

The Broncos' troubles at running back present a unique opportunity for Bell, who played three solid seasons for Denver and gained 1,025 yards rushing in 2006 to re-establish himself as an NFL back.

Bell has at least one supporter in receiver Brandon Marshall.

"We've got T-Speed back there," Marshall said. "Hillis has been doing a great job, and that's the only thing keeping Tatum on the sideline. He's a premier back in this league, and I'm excited to see what he's going to do."

Extra Points: If Hillis finishes the season as the team's leading rusher, his 343 yards will be the lowest leading total in team history. Gerald Willhite's 347 yards in the strike-shortened 1982 season is currently the low. ... Boyd, who was signed to the Broncos' practice squad on Nov. 4 after being waived by Tampa Bay in July, said he's caught on quickly to Denver's offense because he ran in a similar offense at South Carolina. ... Shanahan said WR Brandon Stokley (heel) should be able to play on Sunday at Carolina. Stokley was still limping and looked to be in a lot of pain when he walked gingerly through the locker room Monday.

http://cbs4denver.com/broncos/hillis.Broncos.chiefs.2.882581.html

Tough dude was confident he could play this coming week.. hope he heals completely