Broncos coach Gary Kubiak said last week that running back Ronnie Hillman is in “a helluva battle” to make the 53-man roster. It appears that Hillman is losing that battle.
Mike Klis of KUSA reports that it would now be a surprise if Hillman makes the team. That’s a surprise, considering the Broncos re-signed Hillman to a one-year, $2 million contract with $600,000 guaranteed this off-season.
C.J. Anderson is the clear starter in Denver and fourth-round pick Devontae Booker is a lock to make the roster as well. That leaves Hillman competing with Kapri Bibbs for what is likely a third and final roster spot. Bibbs has played well enough in the preseason that the Broncos would likely prefer to keep him at his $525,000 base salary than Hillman at the $1.4 million remaining they’ll have to pay him if he makes the roster.
Hillman was the Broncos’ starting running back for most of last season and played well at times, although he managed just 54 yards on 32 carries in the postseason. He now appears to be running out of time to convince the Broncos’ brass that he’s worth keeping for 2016.
