Mile high low: Broncos' Hillman to miss time

By John Halpin
Published

According to multiple sources, Broncos RB Ronnie Hillman will miss at least two weeks due to a sprained foot, though the team is calling Hillman's prognosis "day to day." Montee Ball is ready to play after missing five games due to a groin injury, but C.J. Anderson had a big game against the Raiders after Hillman exited, and Juwan Thompson looms as a goal-line threat. 

What happens now? One Denver Post article called the Bronco backfield a "three-ring circus," but another said this:

"There's a decent chance Anderson will get his first NFL start Sunday at St. Louis, although Hillman's injury might also mean Ball will get some regular work."

Ball isn't a bad fantasy option, but his role is difficult to predict, and he's already owned in 56.5 percent of FOXSports.com leagues. Anderson is much more attainable at 1.1 percent ownership, and should be targeted this week by RB-needy owners. Hopefully, we'll learn more about the Broncos' backfield plans after they start practicing this week.

In other news ...

In case you missed it, Cardinals QB Carson Palmer will miss the rest of the season due to a knee injury. Drew Stanton, who averaged 176 passing yards per game and completed 48.9 percent of his passes in three starts earlier this season, will fill in. Larry Fitzgerald owners should be bummed out by this turn of events, but for Michael Floyd owners, there's nowhere to go but up, right? OK, maybe he can stay the same, and that would be bad.

Remember your byes: The Ravens, Cowboys, Jaguars and Jets are off in Week 11. Thursday's game is Bills-Dolphins.

Speaking of the Bills, WR Sammy Watkins (groin) was listed as a full participant in Monday's practice, but RB Fred Jackson (groin) was limited.

Monday's game was about what you expected from Mark Sanchez, right? Mediocre completion percentage, but otherwise solid game against the Panthers. He'll have a tougher time Sunday at Green Bay.

The Giants seem to think that RB Rashad Jennings will return to action this week, and he might get "the bulk of the carries," according to NJ.com.

Texans RB Arian Foster (hamstring) is likely to play Sunday after getting hurt in Week 9.

Check out this NFL.com article gushing about Odell Beckham Jr. "I think he'll end up being the best wide receiver in this entire draft class," says Daniel Jeremiah of a class that includes Sammy Watkins and Mike Evans.

The Vikings think that TE Kyle Rudolph will return to action this week, but Adrian Peterson is still a big question mark. Expecting Peterson to play and contribute this week, regardless of what ruling the NFL hands down, is kind of silly.

I'd like to offer a special thanks today for all those who have served in the U.S. Armed Forces - especially my dad.

See you back here Friday morning.