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According to ESPN's Jeff Legwold, Denver Broncos starting running back Montee Ball is not expected to practice this week and is expected to miss up to 3 weeks with a strained groin.
#Broncos HC John Fox said Montee Ball has "groin strain.'' Ball not expected to practice this week and could miss as many as 3 weeks.
— Jeff Legwold (@Jeff_Legwold) October 6, 2014
Ball suffered the injury during the third quarter of yesterday's victory over the Arizona Cardinals during a non-contact play. Ball underwent magnetic resonance imaging exam today to see the severity of the strain. There was reports that the Broncos were fearing a "serious groin injury" for Ball, but it appears he has escaped that.
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It's been a rough start for Ball this season. First he underwent an emergency appendectomy during Training Camp and missed some time, and has struggled through the early parts of the 2014 season. Ball is only averaging 3.1 yards per carry on the season.
The Broncos play 3 games in a 12 day stretch during Balls absence. Those three games being a road game against the New York Jets, a Sunday Night game against the 49ers and a Thursday night game against the San Diego Chargers. I would expect Ball will make his return to the lineup November 2nd as the Broncos head to Foxboro to take on the New England Patriots.
Look for backup running back Ronnie Hillman to get the start in his place. Hillman came in relief for the injured Ball and sparked the Broncos running game that was struggling prior to Ball's injury. Hillman carried the ball 15 times for 64 yards(4.3 YPC). I would look for undrafted rookie Juwan Thompson and second year player C.J Anderson to play as well. There's also a chance that the Broncos call up rookie Kapri Bibbs off their practice squad to add some depth to the running back position while Ball is sidelined.