Broncos running back Ronnie Hillman has "his arm wrapped tightly around the starting running back spot," reports the Denver Post, but it remains an open competition for playing time with Montee Ball and Knowshon Moreno.
The report says that "eventually, Ball is to be the featured back." The Broncos hope he develops into a 15- to 20-carry back in the NFL.
"How it moves forward — we don't know enough about Montee Ball yet," 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."
Whoever plays the most this season could depend on pass protection for quarterback Peyton Manning.
"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."
Moreno is coming off arthroscopic knee surgery that sidelined him through most of the offseason. He might be third on the depth chart, but the report said he'll also get his share of reps, even as soon as Week 1 against the Ravens.