Montee Ball lost weight but not perspective. Since suffering a right groin injury Oct. 5, Ball has dropped from 224 pounds to 212. He returned to practice Wednesday.
“I feel like I can hit the holes faster. I definitely love it,” Ball said. “I was playing with that weight a little earlier, getting more bulk, but I didn’t like it. I am going to stick where I am at now. You will definitely see a difference.”
Ball is back, but he’s no longer the No. 1 back. Ronnie Hillman secured the job and even with no success against the New England Patriots, he has averaged 4.4 yards per carry over the past five games.
“He most definitely should (be the starter). The running game has been a lot better since he’s been in there. I am not going to lie to myself,” said Ball, who checks in at 3.1 yards per attempt. “When I get back, I am going to contribute as much as possible and try to get that spot back.”
There’s no exact date set. Ball mentioned repeatedly that he must be 100 percent, especially given that his setback involved a leg issue.
Bounce back. The Broncos’ collapse in New England proved humbling but not demoralizing, players said. They aren’t looking back, believing there’s still time to regain their dominance.
“We have great players, smart guys. Everybody has focused since that loss. It’s what we expect from the guys in here,” said Demaryius Thomas, who has posted five consecutive 100-yard games, a franchise record. “There’s a lot of football left for us. We want to put ourselves in great position and get in a good spot for home-field advantage.”
Tony is alive. When James Gandolfini, a.k.a. Tony Soprano from “The Sopranos,” died, Oakland Raiders coach Tony Sparano received 100 phone calls. It wasn’t the first time they have been mistaken for each other.
“I have been waiting for that question,” Sparano said. “When he passed away, I had calls that night because it was reported that I passed away. (The mix-up) happens quite frequently.”
Cornick hurting. Right offensive tackle Paul Cornick was a new addition to the injury report, limited in Wednesday’s practice because of a shoulder problem. He struggled against the Patriots after playing well the previous week.
Tight end Virgil Green (calf) and defensive back Quinton Carter (hamstring) practiced on a partial basis.
Footnotes. Running back C.J. Anderson grew up a Raiders fan, attending camps when he was a kid. “I had a great time going to their games. I went with my family or the Boys & Girls Club. It was a lot of fun.” … Broncos coach John Fox said of Dennis Allen, fired by the Raiders after an 0-4 start: “I did talk to him after the Raiders made the change. I think he’s a tremendous coach and another opportunity will arise.” Allen served as Fox’s defensive coordinator in Denver before taking the Oakland job.
