Report: Broncos Knowshon Moreno cleared to participate in team drills

On Monday morning, Knowshon, who was still recovering from a torn ligament in his right knee was cleared to fully participate in team drills. Before monday, Knowshon has been limited to just 7 on 7 drills. Now he can participate in 11 on 11 team drills.

"That's what it is, just building that confidence of going in the middle and being able to drive your feet still with people pushing on you," Moreno said. "So that's where I am right now. I feel confident in running on it and doing the things I need to do, and cutting sometimes."

This is good news for Moreno obviously. He needs all the reps and practice he can get. Moreno is battling for his roster spot with Pro-Bowler Willis McGahee, rookie Ronnie Hillman and runners Lance Ball, Jeremiah Johnson, Mario Fannin, and Xavier Omen. I think Moreno will make the roster. His pass blocking skills and his receiving skills will make him a valuable addition to the team. He will also contribute as a change of pace back behind McGahee.

"Coming out of the backfield, or even lining up at wide receiver and doing some things out there, I think it's definitely a good fit," Moreno said.

His progress will be something to keep an eye on throughout the rest of Training Camp and the Preseason. Also, if you have yet to check it out, read Sayres post on Moreno here.

Now, lets take a quick look at how the other backs have been doing so far in camp...

Willis McGahee:

By all accounts McGahee is performing well. Doesn't look any slower from last year and seems to have fresh legs. They have even used him as a receiver out of the backfield. McGahee figures to be the Broncos #1 running back this season, and hoping to repeat his 2011 campaign.

Ronnie Hillman:

Hillman has flashed his electric speed at times during camp. He's also shown that he's not afraid to lower his head and fight for a few extra yards. Hillman is a one cut runner who figures to share carries with McGahee and also be a weapon in the passing/screen game for Manning. I'm really excited to see what Hillman can do throughout the rest of camp and preseason. My expectations for him are starting to rise.

Lance Ball:

Ball, who is good but not great running back has been doing alright in camp. He's a solid between the tackles, move the chains runner, who i believe the coaches really like. Also he shown he can help protect the passer as a pass blocker. That alone will help him earn a roster spot. They have been using Ball in the passing game as well. Ball isn't guaranteed a roster spot by any means, but i think he has a good shot to make the team as the 3rd string runner.

Mario Fannin:

Fannin a fan favorite on here, has been disappointing, at least for me so far. He's shown, in space he can be effective, but he needs space to hit the hole hard. He does have great hands, which will be appealing to coaches in this offense. Right now, i dont see Fannin making the team, but if he finishes strong throughout camp and has a good preseason, he could push for a roster spot. I think Fannin could be a Practice Squad addition as well. One thing to keep an eye on with Fannin is, according to Kirks practice reports, Fannin is also wearing a brace and he has a noticeable limp. That will be something we all should keep an eye on.

Jeremiah Johnson:

Johnson is making it hard for the Broncos to cut him it seems. Outside of Hillman, Johnson has been the most explosive runner on the team, and has had some big runs in camp so far. Johnsons preseason will ultimately decide his fate.

Xavier Omon:

Omon hasn't been great, but he's having a solid camp by all reports. He lacks explosiveness and burst to be a factor at the second level. Omon is a bulldozer who is obviously fighting for a roster spot. I don't think he has a shot to make the team, but at least he's giving his all.