Denver Broncos running back Montee Ball is home recovering following an appendectomy earlier in the week, according to Mike Klis of The Denver Post. Ball arrived home on Wednesday, and while there's no concrete timeline for his return, the Broncos are optimistic.
Montee Ball recovering; Ronnie Hillman could complicate fantasy situation with big game
Montee Ball is recovering from an appendectomy and will not be playing in Thursday’s preseason opener. Ronnie Hillman could complicate the running back situation with a big game against the Seattle Seahawks. We break down the fantasy implications.
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Ball is the starting running back, and the Broncos are certain he'll be able to start the regular season opener against the Indianapolis Colts on Sept. 7. But there's also some thought that Ball might be able to get some playing time in the team's third preseason game -- the most important preseason game, according to the report.
But he definitely won't be playing Thursday when the Broncos open their preseason against the Seattle Seahawks. Instead, Ronnie Hillman will get the start, and C.J. Anderson will be the first one off the bench.
Fantasy Impact: Ball was the primary backup in Denver last season, but with Knowshon Moreno going elsewhere in free agency, he is expected to take the next step. He'll be the starter when the season gets underway, so it's a little disappointing that he'll miss this preseason game and may miss the exhibition season in its entirety.
Then there’s Hillman, who has questionable fantasy value now but could certainly establish himself as a back to watch if he lights up the preseason. Denver is already expected to give Hillman a healthy dose of carries in the regular season, so he could do big things for himself Thursday.
