Running back Montee Ball is expected to be the lead back for the Broncos this season, but he’ll need to do some recuperating from surgery before he’s able to officially grab that job.
Mike Klis of the Denver Post reports that the team has confirmed that Ball will have his appendix removed on Monday afternoon. The surgery usually keeps players out for a couple of weeks and Klis reports that the team expects Ball to be fully recovered in time for the regular season opener against the Colts on September 7.
Ball’s going to miss at least a couple of preseason games, though, and could wind up missing the entire exhibition schedule while making his way back from the operation. Ronnie Hillman and C.J. Anderson will likely see a bump in their playing time while Ball is out of the lineup. Hillman has been the subject of some strong reviews for his work in camp, a welcome change for him after being bounced from the starting job and, eventually, the entire rotation last season.
Assuming all goes well with Ball’s return, Hillman could latch on to a complementary role behind the second-year player in the Broncos’ high-powered offense.