Montee Ball Denver Broncos Running Back Ht: 5.8 | Wt: 215

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Mon, 07 Jul 2014 11:17:35 -0700

The Denver Broncos will still be a passing team but want to have a more efficient running game since they will be facing more defensive subpackages during games. "We're always going to try to get the best look, to do the best thing in each situation for the offense to be successful," offensive coordinator Adam Gase said. "The more things we can do, the more options we have. We want to be able to execute the plays we want in those situations. If that's throwing, that's throwing the ball, if it's running, then we want that available, too." A better running game will also help QB Peyton Manning's play-action passing.

Fantasy Tip: Montee Ball is entering this upcoming season as the starter and should have space to run with opponents worrying about the teams running game. Ball should be a starter in every league and likely will be selected in the first two or three rounds.

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| Source: ESPN.com - Jeff Legwold

Sat, 21 Jun 2014 12:19:01 -0700

Denver Broncos RB Montee Ball appeared to show the most improvement in his game as a receiver during OTAs. He also displayed improved footwork during workouts and better positioning during pass protection.

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| Source: ESPN.com - Jeff Legwold

Thu, 12 Jun 2014 10:54:54 -0700

Denver Broncos RB Montee Ball, who leads the rest of the team's rushers with 559 career rushing yards from his rookie season, is looked at as a veteran on the staff, according to head coach John Fox. Despite his lack of experience, Ball is penciled in as the starting running back this year. The coaching staff is also very confident in what they have in Ball's young backups in RBs Ronnie Hillman, C.J. Anderson and Jerodis Williams. RB Brennan Clay's speed and quick learning of the playbook has him alongside Anderson for third-string repetitions.

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| Source: The Denver Post - Mike Klis

Tue, 10 Jun 2014 09:33:15 -0700

The Denver Broncos will stick with RBs Montee Ball and Ronnie Hillman for now, according to general manager John Elway.

Fantasy Tip: It wouldn't be surprising to see the team add a veteran for training camp, or even after the preseason once another club cuts a veteran, but Elway wants the backfield to run through its youngsters. However, he didn't mention potential sleeper C.J. Anderson, either, and he's still in the mix. Ball is the clear leader and will get first-round consideration, while Hillman is more of an RB4 at this point.

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| Source: The Denver Post - Mike Klis

Mon, 02 Jun 2014 11:28:19 -0700

Denver Broncos offensive coordinator Adam Gase said he has been happy with the improvements RB Montee Ball has made and is looking forward to what he can do during the 2014 season. "He made big strides," Gase said. "He'd probably be the one guy who made the most improvement. And to see him make the next jump in his second year, we're looking forward to that. We do have a lot of confidence in him. He brings that full package of a good running back. Running the ball, catching the ball out of the backfield, and protecting."

Fantasy Tip: It appears the team will be entering this upcoming season with Ball as their main running back, which will make Ball a solid fantasy contributor. Ball should be a starting running back in all leagues and likely will be selected in one of the early rounds during drafts.

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| Source: The Denver Post - Troy E. Renck

Mon, 02 Jun 2014 11:18:40 -0700

Denver Broncos RB Montee Ball indicated it took some time for him to begin anticipating QB Peyton Manning's audibles last season, which helped him improve his blitz pickup. "I started playing better then," Ball said. "I wish that it had happened earlier. I always tell myself, imagine what it would have been like had I begun like this."

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| Source: The Denver Post - Troy E. Renck

Fri, 30 May 2014 05:55:19 -0700

Denver Broncos RB Montee Ball has the starting job, and the competition for the backfield is with the No. 2 spot, according to offensive coordinator Adam Gase.

Fantasy Tip: Ronnie Hillman and C.J. Anderson are the main contenders. The bruising Anderson would seem to hold up better, but the slasher Hillman has more experience. It seems as if situational work would cancel them out as long as Ball is healthy and effective.

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| Source: KMGH-TV - Arran Andersen

Sat, 17 May 2014 11:37:55 -0700

Denver Broncos offensive coordinator Adam Gase said the competition for the No. 2 spot on the depth chart at running back behind Montee Ball is wide open. He also said that there is no clear-cut favorite to start at right tackle.

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| Source: ESPN.com - Jeff Legwold

Thu, 01 May 2014 16:41:33 -0700

Denver Broncos RB Montee Ball said he knows the team will not hand the starting job to him and that he will have to earn it during practice. "I know for a fact they're not going to hand it to me, they're going to make sure we all get our opportunities throughout camp and throughout OTAs … but it's going to be who's the most productive," Ball said. "But for me, my mentality is that it is my job."

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| Source: ESPN.com - Jeff Legwold

Wed, 30 Apr 2014 12:47:12 -0700

Denver Broncos RB Montee Ball said he has a better understanding of the offense this offseason than he did last offseason. Ball will have to improve his pass protection if he wants to become an every-down player. Ball has improved his nutrition and position-specific workouts, which should help his body be prepared for the season.

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| Source: The Denver Post - Troy E. Renck

Wed, 16 Apr 2014 07:24:32 -0700

Denver Broncos QB Peyton Manning said he believes RB Montee Ball is ready to be a starting running back.

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| Source: ESPN.com - Jeff Legwold

Fri, 28 Mar 2014 07:18:27 -0700

Denver Broncos RB Montee Ball rushed 52 times for 337 yards (6.5 yards per carry) in the final six games of the season. Only Kansas City Chiefs RB Jamaal Charles (6.6 yards per carry) had a higher yards-per-carry average during that stretch.

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| Source: Twitter

Dolphins | Agree to terms with Knowshon Moreno

Thu, 27 Mar 2014 12:10:25 -0700

The Miami Dolphins agreed to terms with RB Knowshon Moreno (Broncos) on a one-year contract. Financial terms were not disclosed.

Fantasy Tip: Moreno will likely see significant regression this year, and is likely to split time with Lamar Miller in the backfield. He could even see third-down duty. Moreno is more of No. 3 or flex fantasy football running back with the move to a less explosive offense. Moreno has slightly more value in PPR leagues.

As a result of this move, it means RB Montee Ball has some upside as an RB2 since he'll be expected to become the main back for the Denver Broncos.

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| Source: ESPN - Adam Schefter

Wed, 12 Mar 2014 13:17:01 -0700

The Denver Broncos are not expected to sign a running back at this point, because they want to give RBs Montee Ball, Ronnie Hillman and C.J. Anderson as many offseason reps as they can before they consider adding a veteran running back.

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| Source: The Denver Post - Mike Klis

Thu, 06 Mar 2014 00:32:35 -0800

The Denver Broncos appear poised to let RB Knowshon Moreno escape via free agency and let RB Montee Ball have a chance at the No. 1 job. The team is likely to sign a running back in free agency as a backup plan.

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| Source: The Denver Post - Mike Klis

Wed, 05 Mar 2014 14:53:25 -0800

Denver Broncos RB Montee Ball is expected to get the first shot to win the starting running back job in 2014.

Fantasy Tip: If Ball wins the job, he could be a nice fantasy football starting option. There still is a lot of uncertainty here though as the team could look at their options in free agency. There should be some clarity after the draft.

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| Source: The Denver Post - Mike Klis

Fri, 21 Feb 2014 00:50:14 -0800

Denver Broncos coach John Fox indicated if RB Knowshon Moreno leaves via free agency, he is comfortable with RB Montee Ball as the top running back.

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| Source: The Denver Post - Mike Klis

Thu, 13 Feb 2014 16:12:25 -0800

Denver Broncos RB Montee Ball said he wants to start next season and receive all of the carries. Ball believes he will have a good offseason and perform better next season.

Fantasy Tip: Ball could be the team's main running back next season if Knowshon Moreno does not return to the team. If Ball does get the starting job, he should be considered by fantasy owners as a starting option.

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| Source: The Denver Post - Benjamin Hochman

Mon, 03 Feb 2014 20:42:00 -0800

Denver Broncos RB Knowshon Moreno is set to become a free agent, and he seems unlikely to return despite a 1,000-yard season after using a second-round pick on RB Montee Ball in 2013.

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| Source: USAToday.com - Lindsay H. Jones

Wed, 29 Jan 2014 10:02:02 -0800

The Denver Broncos are not expected to be able to re-sign impending free-agent RB Knowshon Moreno this offseason. Moreno likely will test the free-agent market this offseason.

Fantasy Tip: Montee Ball, who has had a significant role down the stretch spelling Moreno, will likely become the team's main running back if Moreno departs in free agency. Ronnie Hillman would be the complement to Ball in 2014 if that's the case.

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| Source: NFL Network - Ian Rapoport

Wed, 29 Jan 2014 05:21:22 -0800

Denver Broncos RB Montee Ball admitted he was overwhelmed by the playbook at first. He said QB Peyton Manning would ask him what he needed help with and work with him after practice.

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| Source: ProFootballTalk.com - Michael David Smith

Fri, 24 Jan 2014 12:42:10 -0800

Denver Broncos RB Knowshon Moreno (chest) was limited in practice Friday, Jan. 24.

Fantasy Tip: Moreno was listed as questionable on the official injury report. However, with another week to rest and recover, Moreno is fully expected to play in the Super Bowl. Montee Ball will continue to share touches, though.

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| Source: New York Daily News - Seth Walder

Thu, 23 Jan 2014 14:13:25 -0800

Denver Broncos RB Knowshon Moreno (ribs) practiced for the second straight day Thursday, Jan. 23, and he's fully expected to be able to play in Super Bowl XLVIII against the Seattle Seahawks. Head coach John Fox said Moreno was limited Thursday. RB Montee Ball has seen increased work in the last several games, with double-digit carries in five of the last seven games.

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| Source: NFL.com - Marc Sessler

Mon, 02 Dec 2013 06:00:31 -0800

Denver Broncos RB Montee Ball had 13 carries for 117 yards in Week 13. RB Knowshon Moreno ran 15 times for 18 yards and caught a touchdown reception.

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| Source: KFFL.com

Fri, 29 Nov 2013 13:31:14 -0800

Denver Broncos RB Knowshon Moreno (ankle) practiced in full Friday, Nov. 29, and looks to be on track to start against the Kansas City Chiefs in Week 13. Head coach Jack Del Rio said Moreno took all of his usual practice repetitions. He's listed as probable for the game.

Fantasy Tip: Montee Ball could see a larger workload to take some stress off of Moreno. Moreno should still be in your starting lineup, though, if he's playing. Ball is more of a flex play in deeper leagues.

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| Source: ESPN.com - Jeff Legwold

Thu, 28 Nov 2013 07:32:08 -0800

Denver Broncos RB Montee Ball took the first-team reps in practice Wednesday, Nov. 27.

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| Source: ESPN.com - Jeff Legwold

Wed, 27 Nov 2013 13:34:34 -0800

The Denver Broncos are still hoping that RB Knowshon Moreno (ankle) can play in Week 13 against the Kansas City Chiefs after he missed practice Wednesday, Nov. 27. Moreno needed crutches after the Week 12 game to get to and from the trainer's room and wore a walking boot on the flight home. Interim head coach Jack Del Rio is calling Moreno day-to-day. RB Montee Ball is expected to start if Moreno can't play. Ball took snaps with the starters Wednesday. RBs C.J. Anderson and Ronnie Hillman would likely be mixed in, as well.

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| Source: ESPN.com - Jeff Legwold

Mon, 25 Nov 2013 13:44:00 -0800

Denver Broncos RB Knowshon Moreno (ankle) is expected to be questionable at best for the team's Week 13 game. If he is not able to play, RBs C.J. Anderson, Montee Ball and Ronnie Hillman could receive playing time.

Fantasy Tip: Ball likely would have the most fantasy value this week if Moreno is not able to play. Anderson and Hillman could also have value depending on how much playing time they would receive. Ball and Anderson should be considered as options for starting lineups this week.

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| Source: The Denver Post - Mike Klis

Sun, 27 Oct 2013 12:44:02 -0700

The Denver Broncos plan to spell RB Knowshon Moreno more and will use RBs Montee Ball and C.J. Anderson in a platoon.

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| Source: The Denver Post - Mike Klis

Sun, 06 Oct 2013 15:45:20 -0700

Denver Broncos RB Ronnie Hillman (undisclosed) left the Week 5 game against the Dallas Cowboys in the third quarter due to an undisclosed injury. He limped off and immediately was assisted by trainers on the bench. RB Montee Ball replaced him.

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| Source: KFFL.com

Tue, 24 Sep 2013 10:55:29 -0700

Denver Broncos RB Ronnie Hillman scored a touchdown in the team's Week 3 game after winning a game of rock-paper-scissors on the sidelines with RBs Knowshon Moreno and Montee Ball to see who would get the goal line carry. "We were just messing around on the sideline," Hillman said. "Just something to do. Have fun."

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| Source: DenverBroncos.com

Mon, 16 Sep 2013 09:58:15 -0700

Denver Broncos RB Montee Ball averaged 1.3 yards per carry after fumbling in the end zone on the game-opening drive, and RB Ronnie Hillman only had one carry for three yards in the team's Week 2 win over the New York Giants.

Fantasy Tip: Things could have been much differently for Ball had he not fumbled on what looked to be a sure touchdown. That surely has set him back, especially coupled with the way Knowshon Moreno played in the rest of the contest. Moreno should now be owned in all leagues, and if he keeps playing like he did yesterday, Ball and Hillman could continue to see limited work.

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| Source: ESPN.com - Jeff Legwold

Mon, 16 Sep 2013 07:19:47 -0700

Denver Broncos RB Knowshon Moreno had touchdown runs of 20 and 25 yards in Week 2. He also shined in the blocking game. He finished with 13 carries for 93 yards, while RB Montee Ball had 12 carries for 16 yards and a fumble near the goal line.

Fantasy Tip: Ronnie Hillman has been a non-factor, despite his starting status entering the year. Moreno is the clear back to own right now, but if you have roster space, Ball is a good player to stash. He's clearly struggling right now, and it is becoming clear that the Broncos are shifting in Moreno's direction.

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| Source: The Denver Post - Joan Niesen

Wed, 11 Sep 2013 08:32:34 -0700

Denver Broncos RBs Montee Ball, Knowshon Moreno and Ronnie Hillman will share time again in Week 2.

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| Source: The Denver Post - Mike Klis

Thu, 05 Sep 2013 06:07:54 -0700

Denver Broncos RB Knowshon Moreno could start in Week 1, and play the most in the running back committee.

Fantasy Tip: The team is still looking for some stability at running back. Montee Ball has had trouble learning to pass protect, and Ronnie Hillman has had trouble holding on to the ball. Moreno appears to be on the most solid ground with the team.

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| Source: FOXSports.com - Mike Garafolo

Wed, 04 Sep 2013 21:07:50 -0700

The Denver Broncos will use RBs Montee Ball, Ronnie Hillman and Knowshon Moreno in a running back by committee approach in their regular season opener Thursday, Sept. 5, against the Baltimore Ravens, according to a source. The team makes protection QB Peyton Manning a priority, and Ball's pass protection is something he needs to improve, so expect to see plenty of Hillman and Moreno in Week 1.

Fantasy Tip: The three-headed RB approach is something that will give fantasy owners fits, not just in the opener, but for the first handful of games until someone takes the reins and emerges as the clear-cut No. 1 tailback. It may or may not happen, but most figure Ball will be the one to emerge as the top dog. For now, Ball should be considered a low-end RB2, while the other two are best used as RB3s or flex options.

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| Source: FOXSports.com - Mike Garafolo

Mon, 02 Sep 2013 21:22:14 -0700

The Denver Broncos plan to use a running back by committee on a drive-by-drive basis, not play-by-play. In other words, RBs Montee Ball, Ronnie Hillman and Knowshon Moreno could see plenty of touches, or few. The team will run an up-tempo offense, and if the team stays on the field, so will the running back. If there is a stalled or short drive, the running back might chance on the next drive.

Fantasy Tip: It sounds like a maddening situation for fantasy owners. Most talking heads figure Ball will emerge as the most useful of the fantasy backs once the dust clears, but it is murky at best, and will give fantasy owners headaches during the early going.

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| Source: NFL.com - Ian Rapoport

Sun, 01 Sep 2013 08:40:53 -0700

Denver Broncos RB Ronnie Hillman is listed as the starting running back on the team's depth chart for Week 1. RB Montee Ball is listed as the backup running back and RB Knowshon Moreno is listed as the No. 3 running back.

Fantasy Tip: Hillman received a lot of time with the starters during training camp and the preseason and appears to get the first chance at the starting job. Ball and Moreno are expected to also receive playing time during games. Since the roles for each player is uncertain at this point, none of the running backs should be considered an every-week play at this time.

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| Source: DenverBroncos.com - Gray Caldwell

Tue, 27 Aug 2013 15:13:59 -0700

Denver Broncos RB Ronnie Hillman was running with the first team in practice Tuesday, Aug. 27. Head coach John Fox said not to read into RB Montee Ball taking first-team reps Monday, Aug. 26, even though he also took some turns with the starters Tuesday. Ball's starter work Monday might have had something to do with Hillman's preseason fumbling issues. The Broncos had Hillman carrying a football between reps the last few days.

Fantasy Tip: Denver is trying to condition Hillman into an every-down mentality with their focus on him protecting the ball. This remains a messy fantasy backfield; none of these options opens the season as anything more than a flex play. Even Knowshon Moreno would be a decent speculation for your bench. All things equal, Ball presents the best makeup to take over eventually, but the path there could take a long time.

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| Source: The Denver Post - Mike Klis

Mon, 26 Aug 2013 23:42:35 -0700

Denver Broncos coach John Fox told reporters he had not lost faith in RB Ronnie Hillman despite his tendency to cough up the ball. Hillman had two fumbles returned for touchdowns in preseason games. Still, RB Montee Ball took more snaps with the No. 1 squad Monday, Aug. 26, and Fox cautioned not to read anything. "It's just practice," Fox said. "I wouldn't read too much into anything. We're evaluating everybody regardless of who gets what reps at what numbers. He's a guy that we want to get touches and we'll go from there."

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| Source: The Associated Press

Fri, 23 Aug 2013 07:30:36 -0700

Denver Broncos RB Ronnie Hillman has gained 2.7 yards per carry this preseason and fumbled on the goal line in their preseason game last week. RB Montee Ball has a 3.4-yards-per-carry average, but he missed a block in pass protection that led to a big hit on QB Peyton Manning.

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| Source: The Associated Press

Tue, 13 Aug 2013 09:55:55 -0700

Denver Broncos RB Montee Ball remains behind RB Ronnie Hillman on the depth chart. He played 11 snaps in the preseason game against the San Francisco 49ers, posting five carries for just nine yards. Ball has received occasional carries with the first-team offense during this week's practices, but remains No. 2 on the depth chart.

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| Source: ESPN.com - Jeff Legwold

Tue, 06 Aug 2013 17:30:43 -0700

Denver Broncos RB Montee Ball reportedly had the best scrimmage over the weekend between RBs Ronnie Hillman and Knowshon Moreno. Ball and Hillman each worked with the No. 1 offense, but Hillman had little room to run. Moreno ran with the second unit.

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| Source: The Denver Post - Mike Klis

Sun, 04 Aug 2013 16:55:50 -0700

The Denver Broncos list RB Montee Ball as the primary backup behind starting RB Ronnie Hillman on the first unofficial depth chart of training camp. RB Knowshon Moreno is listed as the third running back on the chart.

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| Source: USAToday.com - Lindsay H. Jones

Thu, 01 Aug 2013 15:12:30 -0700

Denver Broncos RB Ronnie Hillman has a firm hold on the No. 1 running back position to this point in training camp over RBs Montee Ball and Knowshon Moreno. "How it moves forward - we don't know enough about Montee Ball yet," head coach John Fox said. "We know what style he has. I've been very impressed with his football character. And you do find out pretty fast at that position."

Moreno is third on the depth chart, but he is expected to get his share of touches in Week 1 against the Baltimore Ravens. The Broncos eventually want Ball to become their featured back, and they hope he can develop into a 15-to-20 carry running back, but it's unclear when exactly that might happen.

Fantasy Tip: For now, Hillman is the guy based on the improvements he's made in pass protection. Ball probably won't see significant repetitions in the backfield until he shows he's capable of consistently protecting Peyton Manning, similar to the progression that Hillman went through in his rookie season last year. All three backs should see work once the regular season starts, making it tough to predict who will carry the most fantasy value. In the long term, Ball is your best bet, but it could be a frustrating first half of the season for his owners.

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| Source: The Denver Post - Mike Klis

Wed, 31 Jul 2013 20:36:43 -0700

Denver Broncos RB Montee Ball talked about what it takes to get onto the field in the NFL Wednesday, July 31. "Honestly, it's 60 percent pass protection, 40 percent running the ball," Ball said. "In the NFL, it's no secret: it's a passing league. And on this team, when you have a great quarterback like we have, you've got to protect him."

Fantasy Tip: Ball has a very mature outlook for a rookie. He is battling Ronnie Hillman, Knowshon Moreno and even Jeremiah Johnson for reps. Ball is the newcomer who the team will want to see more of in the preseason, so expect to see him plenty. He was a big fish in college, but he needs to set himself apart in the pros. For now, he isn't expected to get a lion's share of the carries, but that could change in a few weeks. Stay tuned.

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| Source: The Denver Post - Mike Klis

Wed, 31 Jul 2013 20:36:02 -0700

Denver Broncos RB Jeremiah Johnson is having a fantasy training camp, but he is competing at a very tough position, with the likes of RBs Ronnie Hillman, Montee Ball, Knowshon Moreno, FB Jacob Hester, Lance Ball and even C.J. Anderson ahead of him in the pecking order.

Fantasy Tip: Johnson's preseason performances might not be to make Denver's 53-man roster, but rather to crack a roster with another NFL club. For fantasy purposes, even if he is a preseason superstar, he has a while to go before he is fantasy relevant.

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| Source: The Denver Post - Mike Klis

Sun, 21 Jul 2013 08:43:19 -0700

Denver Broncos RB Montee Ball will be a candidate for the third-down back role during training camp. He likely will also see time as a rotational runner on early downs.

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| Source: The Denver Post - Jeff Legwold

Mon, 08 Jul 2013 12:05:58 -0700

The Denver Broncos could use a running-back-by-committee approach at running back with RBs Montee Ball and Ronnie Hillman getting most of the carries, and RB Knowshon Moreno also receiving playing time.

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| Source: DenverBroncos.com - Gray Caldwell

Sun, 07 Jul 2013 09:38:25 -0700

The Denver Broncos will give RB Montee Ball every opportunity to earn the starting running back job at some point this season.

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| Source: DenverBroncos.com - Gray Caldwell