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Posted Mon Sep 3rd by Jon Heath
Moreno seen during a training camp practice session at Dove Valley in July. (BroncoTalk.net)
On Monday, the Denver Broncos held their first practice of the regular season. Following practice, several changes were made to the team’s depth chart.
On Sunday evening, fourth-year running back Knowshon Moreno was listed behind starter Willis McGahee, Lance Ball and rookie Ronnie Hillman on the depth chart. On Monday afternoon, Moreno had jumped Ball and Hillman and is now the No. 2 RB on the team (H/T to @MHR_Colby for the tip).
Moreno has been recovering from an ACL injury and rushed seven times for 49 yards in the team’s preseason finale last week. While he seemed to be on the roster bubble through summer practices, Moreno now has more job security as the team’s second option in the backfield.
There were no noticeable changes to the defensive lineup, but the Broncos did move around some of their returners and Joel Dreessen jumped Jacob Tamme as the No. 1 tight end. Yesterday, receivers Eric Decker and Matt Willis were listed as the respective punt and kick returners. Today, they were jumped by defensive backs Jim Leonhard and rookie Omar Bolden.
Leonhard will be returning punts and Bolden will be handling kickoff duties, which is not surprising — he took a kickoff to the house on Friday evening in Arizona. Behind Leonhard on the depth chart is Decker with receiver Andre Caldwell the No. 2 returner behind Omar.
Willis is no longer listed as a returner, as the Broncos will have him and Decker focusing on their wide receiver roles this season. It’s a smart move on Denver’s part, keeping quarterback Peyton Manning‘s targets fresh while putting the best returners on the field.
Week 1 depth chart adjustments are normal, but Moreno making such a big jump was surprising. Coach John Fox always makes depth chart watching fun, and we by now we really shouldn’t be surprised by anything.
Do you think Moreno deserves a No. 2 RB role? Dish out your thoughts in the comments below!
Published on 09/03/2012 at Mon Sep 03 18:10.
Tagged: Andre Caldwell,Broncos Buzz,BroncoTalk,Denver Broncos,Depth Chart,Eric Decker,Jim Leonhard,John Fox,Knowshon Moreno,Matt Willis,Omar Bolden,Peyton Manning,Ronnie Hillman,Willis McGahee.