Denver Broncos running back Montee Ball suffered a groin injury against the Arizona Cardinals on Sunday that could be severe enough to keep him out a while. If that is the case, Ronnie Hillman is a name to keep an eye on in fantasy football leagues.
Hillman looked solid on Sunday in relief of Ball, carrying the ball 15 times for 64 yards. CJ Anderson, who at one point looked like the No. 2 option behind Ball, was a healthy scratch against Arizona. He will likely work his way back into the mix going forward.
Jeff Legwold of ESPN.com reports that there is concern among Broncos players that Ball’s injury could cause him to miss “significant time,” as in multiple weeks at least. Legwold noted that Hillman would move into the lead role if Ball remains out while rookie Juwan Thompson, who scored a touchdown on an 8-yard run against the Cardinals, might also get some work.
While Hillman might not get goal line work, he has big-play ability because of his speed in the open field and potential role in the passing game. Lead running backs in offenses led by Peyton Manning always put up fantasy points, which makes Hillman well worth an add even if the Broncos go with a committee approach.
