Willis McGahee has still not shown up for the Broncos OTAs.

Although the sessions are technically voluntary, McGahee is the only Bronco with an unexcused absence. It's not a good look for a 32-year-old back that is coming off a broken leg and is owed $2.5 million in base salary. Perhaps McGahee sees the writing on the wall after the Broncos drafted Montee Ball in the second round.

Willis McGahee isn't attending Broncos OTAs.

It's notable since McGahee is healthy after suffering a torn MCL and broken leg last season. McGahee's absence from the "voluntary" sessions could suggest he doesn't view himself as long for the Broncos. McGahee's advancing age and $2.5 million salary makes him a strong candidate for release after the Broncos drafted Montee Ball. For what it's worth, McGahee's agent insists there's "no message" behind his absence.

Team president John Elway said Willis McGahee is "our big back right now."

Elway seemed to be suggesting that McGahee and his $2.5M non-guaranteed salary won't be released after the draft. We'll see. McGahee will turn 32 in October and is coming off a torn MCL/broken leg. The Broncos are widely expected to select a running back with one of their first three draft picks.

The Denver Post expects the Broncos to draft a running back in the first three rounds.

The Post even suggests they could take one with the 28th overall pick. (It'd presumably be Alabama's Eddie Lacy.) Regardless, the writing is on the wall for Willis McGahee in Denver. Owed a $2.5 million non-guaranteed base salary, 31-year-old McGahee figures to be released before or just after April's draft.

Team president John Elways says the Broncos are "still evaluating" Willis McGahee as he recovers from knee surgery and a broken leg.

The fact that Elway passed on a full endorsement of McGahee's future certainly suggests his 2013 roster spot isn't assured. McGahee is due an affordable $2.5 million, but is going on 32 and coming off a season where he appeared in just nine games. McGahee's future could be tied to what the Broncos find in free agency, as they're unlikely to pair raw sophomore Ronnie Hillman with a rookie.

ESPN.com's Bill Williamson expects the Broncos to add another option in the backfield.

"I could see Denver taking a running back in the draft opposed to free agency," Williamson writes. Both Willis McGahee and Knowshon Moreno are coming off knee surgeries, and Ronnie Hillman was a rookie who struggled in pass protection. Hillman's role is expected to expand, but both McGahee and Moreno have been mentioned as candidates for release.

The Denver Post believes Willis McGahee's roster spot is "vulnerable."

Beat writer Mike Klis doesn't believe McGahee is as good as gone, but that his $2.5 million salary has him on thin ice after a broken leg cost him seven games last season. McGahee has aged well, but running backs tend to go off the cliff with little warning. Still a better runner than Knowshon Moreno and a vastly superior pass protector to Ronnie Hillman, McGahee should be safe unless the Broncos get a good deal on a veteran back in free agency.

Willis McGahee (knee) was expected to play in the AFC Championship Game if the Broncos had beaten the Ravens Saturday.

Coach John Fox confirmed that Willis McGahee (knee, injured reserve/designated for return) is on schedule for a potential return for the AFC championship game next week.

McGahee has looked good in his return to practice this week. He hasn't played since Week 11, so he'll still be rounding into football shape next week if the Broncos get past the Ravens. We would still expect Knowshon Moreno to the primary ball carrier in the championship round, though that could change if the Broncos make it to the Super Bowl.

Willis McGahee (knee, injured reserve/designated for return) returned to practice Tuesday on the first day he was eligible.

McGahee was wearing a black jersey while the rest of the team was in orange. He's not eligible to return from I.R. until the AFC Championship game. McGahee conceded Monday that his knee is not ready for game action anyway. As well as Knowshon Moreno played down the stretch of the regular season, McGahee would likely return to a minor role if Denver makes it to the Super Bowl. The Broncos also got LT Ryan Clady (undisclosed) back at practice Tuesday.