Broncos rookie rusher Montee Ball took first-team reps on Monday, a sign that the coaches are going to give him a chance to earn the starting job. That's after second-year back Ronnie Hillman fumbled the ball away for the second time this preseason, right near the goal line against the Rams last week.
Through 25 carries Ball has 80 yards and a score with 26 yards on three catches and no fumbles. Hillman has 22 carries for 77 yards, three catches for 15 yards and three fumbles (two lost) with no scores.
I'm not wired into what the Broncos are thinking, but here's an educated guess: If Ball and Hillman are both weak pass protectors and neither one has stood out as a flashy rusher -- see the stats -- then the one who doesn't fumble should have an edge. Ball is deserving of the first-team reps for now and shouldn't lose them until either Hillman cleans up his act or the Broncos tire of Ball whiffing on blocks.
But if Ball's working with the starters it gives him the chance to protect Peyton Manning and thus improve.
Ball is the back to go with in Denver, that much is now certain. Hillman should still figure in their plans but it might be less work for him than it looked like roughly a month ago. As such, Hillman looks more like a Round 7 through 9 pick while Ball is firmly in the Round 5-6 conversation.