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Broncos RBs Pittman, Hall done for the season

Torain rates last tailback standing in injury tsunami

By Lee Rasizer, Rocky Mountain News (Contact)

Published November 3, 2008 at 2:45 p.m.

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Broncos running back Ryan Torain carries Sunday against the Dolphins. Still recovering from a left elbow injury, Torain rushed three times for 1 yard in his NFL debut.

Photo by Chris Schneider / The Rocky

Broncos running back Ryan Torain carries Sunday against the Dolphins. Still recovering from a left elbow injury, Torain rushed three times for 1 yard in his NFL debut.

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ENGLEWOOD — The Broncos backfield, from the days of Terrell Davis to Mike Anderson and Clinton Portis, used to be a who's who of talent.

That's not as much a statement as it currently is a question.

Starter Michael Pittman (neck) and backup Andre Hall (left hand) were placed on injured reserve by the team Monday.

That development comes after rookie prospect Anthony Alridge's season-ending foot injury in the final preseason game and a groin injury that has kept Selvin Young, the incumbent No. 1 entering the season, out of the past three games.

It also follows the left elbow injury in training camp that sidelined first-year back Ryan Torain for nearly three months before his NFL debut Sunday.

Torain still might not be fully ready. He danced in the backfield some on three carries for 1 yard in a 26-17 loss to the Miami Dolphins and needs time to get acclimated to NFL action. But, in the process of elimination that is the Broncos backfield, here he might come anyway.

After all, he is the only healthy body left, elbow brace and all, with a three-day turnaround until Thursday's game at Cleveland (6:15 p.m. MST, KWGN-Channel 2, NFL Network).

Young might be available in a pinch, too, but he wouldn't say Monday whether he'll be available. Fullback Peyton Hillis, who had a breakout receiving game against Miami, also potentially could log a few carries in reserve, if needed. And the Broncos have second-year back P.J. Pope on the practice squad.

There might be more able-bodied fullbacks on the roster - Hillis and Spencer Larsen - than active tailbacks.

"Guys did different things in college," receiver Eddie Royal said, tongue-in-cheek, about the dwindling backfield depth. "We might need to use them."

But Torain, who was so impressive in training camp before landing awkwardly on his left arm during a team drill in early August, might especially feel the heat.

"I think I can carry the load," he said. "I've been working out as I was hurt, getting back healthy with rehab and treatment. They stayed up with my conditioning."

So, is he up to 20-25 carries, if necessary?

"Most definitely," he said. "Whatever they want to give me."

Coach Mike Shanahan was unavailable for comment. But he said Sunday he was hesitant to play Torain on potential passing downs because of the rookie's lack of experience in protection.

Pittman handled that role full time this season as a single setback on third downs, but shooting pains down his arms after a hit Oct. 20 against New England and a reaggravation of the injury Sunday ended his season.

"I feel 100 percent confident," Torain said of his ability to be an every-down contributor. "I've got to get the same confidence from the coaches as myself."

It's doubtful there's much faith in the running game generally right now, and not just because of the injuries.

The Broncos are coming off their second-worst ground performance in franchise history with 12 carries for 14 yards.

With Hall also out - it's unclear when he was hurt in limited action Sunday - it's terrible timing to try to re-establish that necessary balance to the offense.

"We can't get down on ourselves and have to know there's people who can step up and do the job," Hillis said.

Getting Young back at least would be a big insurance policy. He was injured Oct. 5 against Tampa Bay, but he's by far the most experienced back left on the roster. He has started 13 of 20 career games and has averaged at least 4.5 yards in all but one of five games in limited action.

"We're looking for Selvin to bounce back from his injury," Royal said.

MORE INJURIES: The left knee injury that will sideline D.J. Williams indefinitely might necessitate a shift at linebacker. But the matter might be complicated by Niko Koutouvides' flulike symptoms.

The Broncos might have considered shifting middle linebacker Nate Webster to make room for Koutouvides in the lineup. And Wesley Woodyard and Lou Green could sub for Williams on the weak side.

Comments

  • November 3, 2008

    3:10 p.m.

    Suggest removal

    Jubei writes:

    Wow...

    It seems like we're losing three or four guys every game.

    Losing Pittman is going to hurt in so many different ways. Short yardage, pass protection, and receiving.

    We're left with Young and Torain, both of whom are not 100%. The last thing Jay needed was more pressure, but it looks like it's going to ramp up some more with the loss of Pittman and Hall.

    Well, on the upside, maybe now we'll see more of Barrett, Woodyard, and some of the other younger guys.

  • November 3, 2008

    3:13 p.m.

    Suggest removal

    tom3565 writes:

    Good news is Hillis didn't look to shabby, maybe some good can come out of this mess.

  • November 3, 2008

    3:40 p.m.

    Suggest removal

    El_Braino writes:

    Time for the Torain Train to start up. Maybe even let Peyton Hillis carry the ball!

  • November 3, 2008

    4:09 p.m.

    Suggest removal

    incognitoboy writes:

    i'd love to see hillis/torain in a return to the types of formations we used when we had the FB/RB combo of griffith/davis.

    maybe that's asking too much of these young guys.....what about it boys? can you man-up and handle the job? guess we'll see.

  • November 3, 2008

    4:58 p.m.

    Suggest removal

    Dynamicdave writes:

    incognitoboy, that's what I like to hear, positive thoughts from yourself, El_Braino, tom3565, Jubei. We need more input from guys like you to keep the whiners at bay. Hey, we all know it's bad news, but we also know we have no control in the matter. We just need to kick back, pour a beer, cheer for the boys on Thursday night. I will never say die when it comes to the Broncos. I used to make a joke with some of my friends that Denver could lose every game of the season, just beat the Raiders twice and Dallas ANYTIME we play them. Win or lose this year, I'm there for the entire ride. We need to get Young healthy and don't forget, we have Spencer Larson as a FB at 240 lbs. and 6'2". He's a load, too. All is not lost. Keep the faith.

  • November 3, 2008

    4:59 p.m.

    Suggest removal

    Woodrow writes:

    WOW, what happened to Cutler? Kid needs to use this experience to grow up a little bit.

    They all seemed to fall into the trap of reading their press clippings too much early on and got way ahead of themselves.

    Brandon Marshall needs to keep his head down and just do his job. The last thing he needs is to take more bad press and go the direction of a T.O.

    Funny thing is he hit the nail in the head as far as his comments about how his own DB's and how they should play tighter. He was covered all day.

    Our pass defense is a joke. Nate Webster is the best player (by far) on Defense besides Champ. We have a lack of talent at many spots on D but I just don't see how the talent discrepancy could be that drastic. We are getting manhandled and there seems so be no end in sight.

    I've been a fan forever, but I'm just tired of the whole regime. I know Shanny is a great coach but I think its time for a change.

    Cower perhaps?

  • November 3, 2008

    5:33 p.m.

    Suggest removal

    TONE writes:

    Hey folks, Shanny is fine as coach. We need a real Defense Cord. Wade Phillip is a real good Defense Cord. and he will be avialable this coming season. Pretty sure he is done with the cowboy. Shanny/Bates running offense and Wade wunning defense... this is not a bad thing. See how he made the Bolts preety good when he was there... I know he was always pretty good as a cord. just not a head coach.

  • November 3, 2008

    5:36 p.m.

    Suggest removal

    Dynamicdave writes:

    gmo80Man it is tiresome reading from different posters and this "Cower" bandwagon talk. Cower did what? 1 ring in "how many years"? Hypothetical, we got Cower. Now, it will take at least 2 years to get the offense and defense to learn ANOTHER system! Think about that one, for awhile. You can only coach so much. Eventially the players need to step up to the plate and be held accountable.

  • November 3, 2008

    5:41 p.m.

    Suggest removal

    Existentalism writes:

    Too bad Cutler wasn't put on an injured list.
    He should be on one for the way the little pouting child has been playing this year.
    The very 1st pass of the game and he throws an interception.
    How about putting him on the bench for about 6 games and let the other QB play, he sure would be better than Jake this season.
    As usual, the Broncos just plain su-k this season, just as they have for the past 9 seasons.

  • November 3, 2008

    7:23 p.m.

    Suggest removal

    Woodrow writes:

    Dave, I agree about the time factor, but that's a given. Its just that sometimes coaches need a change in order to re-build and have a new motivation.

    I'm just not enjoying this team nearly as much as I used to and I wouldn't mind watching a rebuilding process with a new coach.

  • November 3, 2008

    8:17 p.m.

    Suggest removal

    ManginoTorreta writes:

    Last running back on the Broncos roster, turn out the lights--looks like Denver's going to have to give the A-11 offense a try soon.

  • November 4, 2008

    5:57 a.m.

    Suggest removal

    dano writes:

    I love watching Shanahan crumble. It's too much fun. Great drafting. Where is Maurice Clarett? Jail.

    Broncs are done. Cutler has a big mouth and can't keep it shut.
    Cutler is a punk. The Plummer is laughing his arse off.

  • November 4, 2008

    6:25 a.m.

    Suggest removal

    CP writes:

    "Hillis, could log a few carries in reserve."
    ------------------------------------------------------------
    What? No wonder the Broncos are losing. Didn't anyone see Hillis play? He was the best Bronco on the field on Sunday and should be starting!!

  • November 4, 2008

    7:17 a.m.

    Suggest removal

    The_KIMN_Chicken writes:

    Did Hall injure his fumbling hand? No loss there.

  • November 4, 2008

    7:37 a.m.

    Suggest removal

    2coolvk writes:

    A lack of a decent running back and no defensive line pressure make this team an absolute fraud. It is amazing they are still in first place but not for long. Where is Oliver Ross whan you need him? Anybody know who he is? and what he was infamous for?

  • November 4, 2008

    7:46 a.m.

    Suggest removal

    kansasbronco writes:

    Watching other teams defend our receivers was making me think we were getting jobbed on no calls all year, that might be partly true, and it might just be that with big receivers dominating the league, there's a tendency for the Zebras to let a little of the grab and pull go both ways. Watching our dbacks play so soft and our receivers getting tight coverage with lots of incidental contact being ignored stinks. I'd love to see us bring it up tight, and just trust someone to play single deep help. We can only get better! Go Torrain, anybody think he should start in fantasy over Jones-Drew at Detroit or or Chris Johnson at Chicago?

  • November 4, 2008

    8:02 a.m.

    Suggest removal

    Existentalism writes:

    Too bad the pouting little child Cutler isn't done for the season.
    We need a new head coach and a new QB, one that doesn't pout.

  • November 4, 2008

    8:50 a.m.

    Suggest removal

    cutlerscannon13 writes:

    First off, all you whiners go to the Raiders/Chief/Charger site where you belong ... PERIOD!! I wish I had some sort of administration to this site to permanently block your IP address from accessing this site!!! YOU ARE MORONIC!! Shanny is not the problem, the players need to execute, the D coordinator needs to TRUST his DBs (even dre bly ... let him get burnt again and PUT IN WILLIAMS !!)

    Secondly ... we have had a tough year as far as injuries go, and it started in the preseason. With Torain getting healthy, him and Hillis will be beastly in the backfield. As far as DJ and Boss injured, slap in Niko Koutovides (sp?) and let Spencer Larsen play his natural position and light some Brownies up!! We got this game, after the loss look for Cutler to be a little more aggressive down field, and the D-coordinator to be a little less scared of getting burned! Double up on Braylon Edwards and we are good to go.

    GO BRONCOS!

  • November 4, 2008

    9:02 a.m.

    Suggest removal

    Sapience1022 writes:

    Poor Torrain is gonna be the whipping boy now.

    And hey, I think at least we'd get to have some fun watching the a-11....

    ...until Cutler gets hurt.

    I wanted Hackney on the field Sunday. I want all the reserves in. Bring in someone that WANTS to play, and not drop passes over the middle, because you didn't want to take a hit, and then complain about other people not doing their part (LOOKING AT YOU BMARSH.)

  • November 4, 2008

    11:36 a.m.

    Suggest removal

    BMat writes:

    SD's got injuries too. Merriman and Tomlinson prolly most important but Jamal the Wall on their Dline is also gimpy.

    Denver doesn't really have to worry about anyone else in the division do they?

  • November 4, 2008

    11:55 a.m.

    Suggest removal

    TONE writes:

    Existentalism, you should be bench for your pouting and whinny like a little girl too. STFU!!! If that was you out there...you would be pouting and crying like the fat lady singing at the opera!!!

  • November 4, 2008

    12:51 p.m.

    Suggest removal

    warrengfunk7 writes:

    The refs called against the Broncos every chance they could think of again, for the third week in a row. I think after that week 1 bad call by the ref, they all got together and decided they would be extra, extra strict on Denver for the rest of the season. Especially Brandon Marshall it seems, as they keep calling him for Offensive pass interference on non-calls in potentially game changing/scoring plays.

  • November 4, 2008

    12:51 p.m.

    Suggest removal

    T1anda writes:

    hmo80 forget Cower..he will probably coach the Panthers in the future and maybe sooner if John Fox doesn't get them into the playoffs this year!! I don't believe Cower will ever come to Denver for any amount of money....well...maybe a lot of money!!

    Naw.. Pat Bowlen and Shanny are joined at the hip. Shanny will remain the coach until he tells Bowlen he wants out.

  • November 4, 2008

    1:07 p.m.

    Suggest removal

    T1anda writes:

    Kansasbronco... IF... Torain gets 20-25 touches a game I would start him as my 2nd back next week. Shanahan drives fantasy owners nuts with his RBBC. You might want to sit him until he shows what he can do! Chris Johnson could have it a little rough against Chicago but I would play Jones-Drew and Johnson over Torain this week.

  • November 4, 2008

    1:11 p.m.

    Suggest removal

    AZBroncosFan writes:

    Hey I really like what cutlerscannon13 said about Spencer Larson. I have been saying that for a long time now. Let him play his natural position we are so depleted at LB I bet you anything that guy has the potential to develope into an excellent LB. Cutler needs to grow up but so do most 3rd year QBs with no run game and a 1-4 record in the past 5 games.

    What we need is better Safeties. I mean unless Slowik is a complete idiot which I would guess being an NFL Defensive Coordinator you are not a complete idiot. Slowik is probably thinking our Safeties can not pick up these WRs after they burn our DBs at the line. So you are looking at long pass after big play long pass if we press cover? Problem is there needs to be a bit more of a gamble involved on Sunday. Press every so often when you think they may short pass especially on that last drive that the fins went down field with the same thing play after play I mean I hate to say it but you are not going to be able to bank on Chad to miss a short pass. You need to disrupt their game plan. If you get burned once in a while okay but I mean you have to do something or you give yourself no way to win at the end of a game when you are down.

    So I mean I am guessing that is the reasoning behind it. The Safeties really do need to step it up and pick up those guys when they get deep, too much pressure on our CBs. Dont forget guys when you are watching the game on TV you can not see what is really going on in the secondary and I would bet you anything it is the poor play of the Safeties that is giving the defense the reason to keep everyone in front of them.

    As for our offense they just need to calm down and execute plain and simple. The talent is there just execute. Hope for better run play but Cutler needs to lead his team even when the run game is no good. You want to be compared to Elway than you need to play like Elway and Elway didnt have a great run game most of his career and was still able to produce W's.

  • November 4, 2008

    4:54 p.m.

    Suggest removal

    kansasbronco writes:

    Some good points AZbroncofan, we just gotta trust the safeties and start forcing the issue. People were whining about Elway his first couple of years too, even the worst Sammy Winder Gerald days were better than what we saw Sunday. With Reeves you always knew you'd get more run than pass so that helped Elway survive behind that horrible line. Elway also got into the habit of running around to "create plays", I think Cutler is being coached to release the ball quick, or run and not take sacks. It seems like Cutler has a clock going in his head and when he reaches the 3 seconds or whatever he releases the ball or takes off. Maybe Jeremy Bates should tell Cutler to relaxe a little bit and try to make something happen with his legs to get the ball downfield. Plenty of weapons he just needs to relaxe and hit the right target.