Broncos suffer more injuries

Running backs Michael Pittman and Andre Hall were put on injured reserve.

ENGLEWOOD, Colo. (AP) — The Denver Broncos’ dinged-up backfield took two more big hits Monday when Michael Pittman and Andre Hall were placed on injured reserve.

Both Pittman and Hall were injured in Denver’s 26-17 loss to Miami on Sunday. The Broncos had just 14 yards rushing in the game, the team’s lowest total in 36 years.

Pittman hurt his neck and ribs against New England before the bye week, and re-injured his neck in the second half against the Dolphins.

The 11-year veteran took over the starting job three weeks ago after Selvin Young went down with a groin injury, and leads the team in rushing with 320 yards. He also has four touchdowns.

Hall fell out of favor with the coaching staff after fumbling on his only two carries in New England. He was pressed back into duty Sunday when Pittman went down.

However, Hall carried the ball just once for 7 yards before injuring his left hand.

Ryan Torain is now the only relatively healthy tailback on the roster, given Young’s groin ailment.

Torain, a rookie out of Arizona State, played in his first game of the season Sunday, carrying the ball three times for 1 yard. Torain had been out since breaking his left elbow in training camp.

“I know I need to step up big time, help the team out and do my best,” he said.

The Broncos, who have lost four of five, insist Torain is ready.

“In the offseason, he was making plays for us,” rookie receiver Eddie Royal said. “We know he’s capable of doing it. We’ve got all the confidence in the world in him.”

Rookie fullback Peyton Hillis said he’s willing to fill in at tailback if needed. Hillis is coming off a game in which he caught seven passes for 116 yards, becoming the first Denver running back with more than 100 yards receiving since Floyd Little in 1974.

“I’m here to do whatever they tell me to do,” said Hillis, who played a little tailback at Arkansas when Darren McFadden needed a breather. “I’m a football player and I like to be versatile and do a lot of different things. Wherever they need me on a certain week, I’d love to do it.”

The news could get even worse for the Broncos, with team leader D.J. Williams undergoing an MRI on his left knee Monday. Williams’ agent, Tony Fleming, wasn’t sure about the severity of the injury.

“There’s no word on how bad or how long he’s out,” Fleming said. “Too early to say.”