Running backs Montee Ball, left, and C.J. Anderson at Broncos practice. (John Leyba, The Denver Post)
Montee Ball didn’t get a carry until the fourth quarter of the .
The third preseason game is usually the game that best models the regular season. And although Ball is still listed as the No. 2 back on the Broncos’ depth chart, he was the fourth running back to touch the football. That didn’t sit well with the former second-round pick.
“I was really surprised by that. I barely got any touches,” Ball said. I guess that’s the way they wanted to do it.”
“They” likely refers to coach Gary Kubiak, who has built a career out of getting the most out of running backs.
He defended not playing Ball much by saying its tough to get four running backs carries in a game, but with roster cuts coming up it’s hard not to believe the writing is on the wall.
“Special teams is a big factor with him and Juwan (Thompson),” Kubiak said. “We’ll see. I’m fine with Montee. I wish there would be more.”
Not exactly a ringing endorsement.
Kubiak said the roster cut to 75 would likely happen Monday morning and it’s unlikely to expect any of the four running backs (C.J. Anderson, Ronnie Hillman, Thompson and Ball). But when the 53-man roster comes out by Saturday, it’s becoming more and more likely Ball might not be on the list.
“I heard I was going to get a lot of snaps, but it just didn’t work out like that,” Ball said. “Right now it’s C.J., Ronnie, then Juwan, then me. So I guess just what it is.”
Through three preseason games, Ball has 16 carries for 41 yards and no touchdowns. And like Kubiak mentioned before, he isn’t a big factor on special teams.
Not many fourth-string running backs make NFL teams without outstanding special teams play and Ball might be holding on by the merits of his high draft choice.
In the most telling moment, the Broncos chose Thompson over Ball at the goal line in a key moment during the fourth quarter and the 2014 undrafted back punched it in.
“It’s a trust factor. I’ve been working hard and it’s good that they believe in me,” Thompson said.
The Broncos could very well keep all four running backs, but if they do cut one it looks like it’ll be Ball before Thompson.
“I think I deserve to be on this team, but we’ll see how it goes,” Ball said.
Yes we will, Montee. Yes we will.
