Broncos tailback Montee Ball put in a limited practice on Wednesday, his first on-field work since suffering a groin injury in Denver’s October 5 win vs. Arizona.
After practice, Ball indicated he had shed about 12 pounds from his early-season weight of 224, according to The Associated Press.
Via Jeff Legwold of ESPN.com, Ball indicated he wants to keep playing at his current weight of 212.
“Today I felt great out there. I felt a lot more elusive,” Ball said, according to the AP. “I felt a lot more agile. And this is where I should have been at the beginning of the year.”
The Broncos, for the record, list Ball at 215 pounds. But any weight loss that helps the second-year pro from Wisconsin gain a little quickness might not be a bad idea. The Broncos’ starting back to begin the season, Ball gained just 172 yards on 55 carries in four games before leaving the lineup. In his absence, Ronnie Hillman (5-10, 195) thrived as the starter, with the third-year back from San Diego State gaining more than a yard per rush more than Ball (4.3-3.1).
Via the AP, Ball said all the right things Wednesday about Hillman meriting the starting job. But there would seem enough carries for Hillman and Ball if both are effective. However, if Ball underwhelms, the Broncos won’t have much reason to mess with the status quo. Also, third-string tailback Juwan Thompson (5-11, 225) has been no slouch, either. The rookie from Duke has gained 4.3 yards per rush in limited work.