Broncos released RB Lance Ball. Ball's release means the Broncos will likely keep UDFA C.J. Anderson on the 53-man roster. None of his one-year, $1.323 million contract was guaranteed.

Broncos re-signed restricted free agent RB Lance Ball to a one-year, $1.323 million contract. Ball, 28 in June, rushed 42 times for 158 yards (3.76 YPC) and one score last season, also catching seven balls for 61 yards. Ball is a plodding runner, but can pick up the blitz and play some special teams. The $1.323 million salary is not guaranteed. Ball will compete for a roster spot in training camp.

Broncos tendered restricted free agent RB Lance Ball at the original-round level. Ball, 28 in June, rushed for 158 yards and a touchdown on 42 carries last season. He'll return no higher than the No. 3 or 4 running back under the $1.323 million tender.

Lance Ball was a healthy scratch in the Broncos' Week 15 win over the Ravens. Ball has fallen behind Jacob Hester, who was signed off the street three weeks ago.

Lance Ball didn't touch the ball in Denver's Week 12 win over the Chiefs. After Knowshon Moreno was surprisingly announced as the starter, the Broncos' expected three-man backfield in the absence of Willis McGahee never game to pass. Moreno was an every-down back. Although it's possible Ronnie Hillman's role will increase in Week 13, Ball can be safely ignored in all formats of fantasy.

Despite Willis McGahee's second-quarter knee injury, Lance Ball received only six carries for 35 yards and caught three passes for 21 yards in the Broncos' Week 11 win over the Chargers. Ball was second in line for carries behind Ronnie Hillman (12). Ball has a lot less juice in his legs than Denver's third-round rookie, and is more of a plodding pass protector. Ball will only be worth picking up for desperate fantasy owners this week. Hillman projects as the Broncos' starter and primary ball carrier until McGahee returns. Denver faces Kansas City in Week 12.

Lance Ball rushed seven times for 16 yards in Denver's Week 3 loss to the Texans. Ball lost a yard on his lone reception. Ball was called on for five carries after Willis McGahee left with a third-quarter rib injury, but gained a pathetic seven yards. With the Broncos facing a 1st-and-goal from the Texans' one-yard line with 4:02 remaining, Ball proceeded to lose five yards on two carries. Rookie Ronnie Hillman should be the better fantasy bet if McGahee is out for Week 4.

Lance Ball rushed twice for 14 yards in Denver's Week 1 win over the Steelers. Ball was clearly third on the totem pole, seeing three fewer carries than backup Knowshon Moreno. That could change, however, after Moreno managed only 13 yards and struggled in pass protection. Neither player is a threat to Willis McGahee. Working his way back to 100 percent following a preseason hamstring injury, rookie Ronnie Hillman could be back in the Broncos' backfield mix as soon as next week.

The injury that forced Broncos RB Lance Ball from Sunday night's game was a "rib bruise." He should be fine for the season opener. Peyton Manning suggested the Broncos will count on Ball as the primary passing-down back this season. "He has shown the ability to run routes like a receiver out of the backfield," said Manning. "That's another weapon hopefully we can take advantage of this year to get the linebackers (and) safeties out on him."

Broncos RB Lance Ball exited Sunday night's preseason game against the 49ers with a rib injury. Coach John Fox said after the game that the Broncos came out "pretty good" in terms of health of their roster. Lindsay Jones of the Denver Post also tweeted that Ball's injury didn't appear significant in the locker room. Ball has been the Broncos' No. 2 back all preseason, well ahead of Ronnie Hillman.