Denver Broncos running back Ronnie Hillman is reportedly expected to start Sunday against AFC West rival the Oakland Raiders, according to NFL reporter Ian Rapoport. While Hillman is expected to start, running back C.J. Anderson is reportedly less certain to play and is expected to be limited Sunday afternoon, according to Rapoport.
"Ronnie is ready to go. Ronnie will start," said head coach Gary Kubiak, via the Broncos' team website. Kubiak stated that Hillman was able to practice on a limited basis Friday and that the team expects him to start this weekend despite a foot injury. While Hillman was able to return to practice on Friday, Anderson remained sidelined.
"He's still sore, still very sore," said Kubiak, via the Broncos' team website. " I think that we still have a chance of getting him to game day and being available for us, but (RB) Juwan Thompson has had a good week." Anderson suffered an ankle injury in the first half against the San Diego Chargers last week, and it seems unlikely he will have any significant role this weekend.
Kubiak will look for Hillman to carry the load Sunday, and he is currently the team's leading rusher with 643 yards and six touchdowns. Hillman struggled against Oakland back in October rushing for 21 yards on just seven carries. Expect Hillman to have a much bigger workload, as he has been stepping it up the past three games rushing for 217 yards in three wins.
Denver is currently in first place in the AFC West at 10-2 and is expected to get a huge player back on defense on Sunday in outside linebacker DeMarcus Ware, according Broncos reporter Andrew Mason. Ware is expected to be on play counts on Sunday, but the return of such a key piece to this defense is a huge addition for the Broncos down the stretch of this season.
