Head Coach Mike Shanahan just announced in his press conference that Peyton Hillis will be placed on injured reserve after tearing his hamstring in Sunday’s win over the Chiefs.
Shanahan said it would be approximately an eight-week recovery for the rookie fullback.
This is another blow to the Broncos running back corps that has already seen four backs placed on IR — Anthony Alridge, Andre Hall, Michael Pittman and Ryan Torain.
Hillis had been playing well against the Chiefs, carrying eight times for 58 yards and a touchdown. He injured his hamstring while receiving a pass from Jay Cutler, leaping up high for the grab. As he came down with the ball, he landed with his leg fully extended, resulting in the tear.
He tore the hamstring a few inches off the bone, and Shanahan said that Hillis would be seeing a specialist to try and find out if the injury requires surgery. As of now, the team doesn’t believe that surgery will be required.
The rookie out of Arkansas had just won the Diet Pepsi NFL Rookie of the Week and FedEx Ground Player of the Week awards for his 100+ yard performance against the Jets.
Shanahan also said that the team would be signing practice squad running back Cory Boyd to the active roster.
– Adam Zinser, DenverBroncos.com
Tags: Adam Zinser, Cory Boyd, Mike Shanahan, Peyton Hillis
Damnit, thats the worst possible news I could have heard. This really sucks, I feel that Bell, Young, and Pope can still help out in the running game at least for the rest of this year, but its really going to be on Cutler’s arm from here on out after this injury. I hope he can at least grab one win in the playoffs for us. We need to keep playin as a team and seriously need to stay healthy… I’ll be very excited to watch Hillis play next season though, I feel he can definitely be a starter in this league and that he will work hard to maintain his starting position he was a serious beast.
Terrible news.
What kind of curse is going on here!!!
I pictures Hillis leading the team to a playoff win this year.
He is the best RB on the team and his loss is a huge blow to the team.
I haven’t seen another back run as hard or as effective as Hillis since we had Portis.
I doubt our other backs can do what Hillis did for this team, but I hope they can come close.
I hope to see Hillis touching the ball 20 times a game next year. No matter what!
That totally stinks. Just when things were looking up for us with the rest of the RB’s out due to injury. Well you know Shanahan he’ll figure out a way to get another RB to take the place of Hillis. Hopefully we can get the est of the guys healthy enough to play in the playoff’s. Jay needs to watch the pics though. Quit trying to squeeze them to Marshall. He needs to scan the field. Stokley was open a few times yesterday and he didn’t throw to him….he just gun slung it to Marshall.
Hate to hear that, Hillis was playing so well. Is Mike Anderson available? Bell and Young (if he can get healthy) are good backs, but they need a power runner, and Anderson would fill that role.
I said it when I saw the replay that he tore his hamstring. Hillis is a tough guy and would walk any injury off, so we he just stayed down, I knew it was bad!! That is horrible news for our offense!!! Cutler was able to open the field up with the threat of him in the backfield.
But – Denver still has a very strong defense and they must rely on their teammates more than ever. The Broncos can still win this division and beat Miami (if that is who we end up playing) if they believe and trust in each other.
Geez…Is this NFL Karma? We execute a draft for the ages, now we’re paying the price. No NFL team has suffered the injuries that we have been plagued with this year, maybe ever?
This is called NFL parity. Ensures no team actually gets an advantage. Sounds like Goodell could be at the bottom of this…or if you listen to “Chargers Nation”, it’s called “Hoculitis” aka “The revenge of Ed”.
Damn I hate this! Sorry Peyton…you were a spark plug for us. I truly believe it was your shear determination in Cleveland game on that short 4th and goal that revitalized this team, and created a new found enthusiasm and motivation. YOU WILL BE MISSED!
WHO”S NEXT? Cmon boys, step up. We need ya now!
WOW…..this is horrible news!!!!! Thanks for the last couple games Hillis….you are a true running back in this league and we will be excited to see you next year!!!!!!!
This is absolutely horrible news. I’ve been accustomed to watching the smaller, speedy backs of the Broncos since TD played for us, but tell you what, watching Peyton run the ball I’ve been converted. Watching this powerful back run behind our offensive line has been nothing short of awe-inspiring. Tatum did well for us in the past, but seeing him go down with arm tackles after 1-2 yard gains immediately after Peyton went out made me realize that we cannot simply throw any running back into our system like all the telecasters like saying. I surely hope that we see Peyton as a starting tailback next year, not fullback. A nice tandem of Peyton and perhaps Aldridge or Torain would be amazing.
Well this stinks. Peyton Hillis was really proving himself to the diamond in the rough for our Broncos. Get better, Peyton, we’re all rootin’ for ya!
Dammit!!! We find someone special and BAM!!! out for the season… After watching the replays of that spectacular catch his landing foot locked up and he went over.. and all I could think of was OUCH!!! Tatum this your time to prove that phone call management made to you was not a waste of time!! YOU CAN DOOO EEEEEET!!!!
Let’s see what pope and bell can do. Now they can shine.
Go Broncos!!!!!!!
Off the bone!! Ouch I’ve done that before, it hurts like hell!! Hope the best recovery for you.
Hillis is a stud and deserves to be the starter next year. As Broncfaithful says, a nice tandem of Peyton with Aldridge or Torain would be awesome. We need a powerful runner in the back field just like the Giants have with Jacobs.
Hillis – Bronco fans around the world salute you! You are an asset to this team and a gentleman off the field. Best wishes to you for a speedy and full recovery.
GO BRONCOS!!!!
In 2005 when the Steelers came into our backyard and beat us in the AFC championship game I said to myself……the football gods wanted it that way, and I accepted it, difficult as it was to swallow. Now I gotta believe that those same football gods are out to get us again.
You absolutely gotta be kiddin me about Hillis. Now what?? I am comfortable with T. Bell who actually showed me something yesterday but after him then who?? And what happens if he goes down??
Whats with our conditioning staff?
Denver go out and sign Shaun Alexander , not to carry the load but just as a short yardage back . Have Tatum get to the goal line and pound it with Alexander
NOOOO! Not Hillis… damn. Good luck and heal up, we NEED you! Orangecrush805 that is what I was thinking as well. The football gods do seem to be against us. But can you imagine if we actually can get through the playoffs with a group of newbie rookies and a line up of different guys each week, who have stars in their eyes and hopes higher then a mile high to win that ring?? That would be a happy ending and a football all-star story.
Our rookies have stepped it up BIG TIME so far, Hillis of course being a main star, now we need them more then ever. Come on Broncos, its rally time!!!!!!!
What a killer picture above of him. I sence a new screensaver coming on.
Peyton…This is a crying shame to say the least. Watching you this year has been some of the most fun I have ever had! You were definately on a roll, and just getting cranked up at that. Here’s to a very speedy recovery.
Does anyone else agree with me that hillis should be the starting back next year??
We are absolutely cursed when it comes to running backs. Peyton has been such an allstar rookie, this happened at the absolute worst time. Hopefully Bell steps it up, we really need him now!
I’ll be damned if Hillis is not the starter this season, or at least the short yardage / goal line back. You can sense the work ethic and persistance that he has.
WTF?
This is a horrible season to be a Bronocs HB. What kind of God awful curse has been thrown upon us? I mean it seriously is a curse, one minute we’re healthy the next we’re converting FB, which was an awesome idea, and now we’re signing guys from the practice squad. Don’t get me wrong these guys have stepped up and played well, but why are we having so many injuries? Now Tatum has to prove himself again. He has played well before he went to Detroit so hopefully he can step up and show us that he deserves the second chance Shanahan handed him on a golden platter. So far we’ve been able to put new guys back there and have good production but not good luck against injuries. I’m not so sure anyone would want to play HB the way we’re losing them to injuries. Tatum it is your time to shine. I know Cutler has a great arm and showed it this season, but I don’t believe that one-dimensional teams make it very far in the playoffs, or the season for that matter. Hopefully Tatum can do good for us.
Go Broncos!!!!!
i can’t believe this….this is beyond ridiculous….its so frustrating….i think tatum will do ok…but hillis got us those tough yards!!!..we are going to really miss him…..come on Tatum..step it up…maybe cuter will throw now more…we need Selvin back!!!!
Hey guys keep the faith, put it in perspective, no one knew who payton hillis was 4 weeks ago, whose to say we dont have another guy on the practise squad who will come and perform for us … its the zone blocking baby, rotate em in all you like and they still produce!
Seriously WTF!!!! Peyton you played your ass off for us. Thanks bud. You will be missed. I definetly like combo of Torain and Aldrige next year though and they will probably get the bulk of the load next year. But Hillis sure did prove himself. Heres to a speedy recovery buddy, see you next year…. Go Broncos!!!
Who ever says this is a curse is stupid. It’s not just the RB posistion that is hit hard. The LB, CB, and the S posistions where all hit hard this year to. With all these injuries it would be easy to call it a curse but it’s something more than superstition.
The training staff is doing a horrible job of keeping their players healthy this year. Don’t be suprised if you see new trainers here next year. I feel sorry for the players on this team who have to put up with such a poor health crew. By now the players should be seeking medical help and physical training from outside sources who are clearly more qualified for the job than the clowns on Denver’s training staff.
- – - BroncoBoy1993-
I Definately aree. What i’ve seen these past few weeks are a guy who just loves the ame of football. He takes the blow just as well as he gives the blow. I hopw to the great Lord that he comes back stronger than ever and takes the starting spot next season. I have no doubt in my mind that we will one day ride him and Cutler all the way to the Superbowl and win it all! It’s time for the Deffense to step it up and win at least 1 more game for us so we can get to the playoffs.
- – - Best of luck,
- – - – - – - Broncos14441
watch out for cory boyd…hes got ability and I think he will excel with Denver
Peyton you’re the MAN. It looked like possibly Rookie of the Week again with the way you started out the other day against K.C. You really stepped our running game up a notch with your syle and you’ve put on some great shows in the last few games. You’re fun to watch, especially when you’re knockin’ defenders on their backs then trampling over them, that rocks! It’s great to see you catch the ball on the run then plow into the first, second, third, etc. challengers. Anyway, hopefully you heal up good and keep training with those trucks, then it’s going to be Team training camp again before you know it. Give it your all in the offseason and top that roster next year. Keep praying, and keep your teammates motivated for the rest of the season. Hopefully this won’t be over until February 1st-ish. We need to hit the Playoffs with some heart and desire, that will carry us tremendously.
Go Broncos!!!
This is ridiculous! “What in the wide, wide, world of sports is a’ goin on here?” (Thank you Mel Brooks and Blazing Saddles). Hillis had given this team the fire it needed to win. When players like Graham are calling this guy a beast and telling us how much fun it is to watch him run, then you know he is largely responsible for the spark that gave us the win in New York, and at home against the Chiefs. When you have a player like that then you see other guys giving that little extra bit. You see players putting their shoulders down wanting to punish the defense like Hillis did. You also have to know that San Diego has got to be jumping for joy. The idea of Hillis punching them in the mouth all afternoon must have been shaking a few people up. If your reading these posts Peyton, then I wish you the fastest of recoveries and hope that you will be on the sidelines firing guys up. I know that the cupboard is bare but Bell is not the answer. The guy is still very good in space and he will probably be fast at the age of 90 but, as so many Bronco fans have pointed out here, he can be dropped with the slimmest of arm tackles and should have never been asked to carry the load in Denver. We need a guy that hits the hole as quick as Peyton did and has the power to force defenses to wrap up on him at the very least. This is where the personnel department and Coach Shanahan can really shine through. If they leave it in the hands of Bell full time then Denver’s shot at even winning the division is in jeopardy let alone any playoff implications. When you see three or four injuries at different times in the year then you chalk it up to football being a tough sport. When you look at a team that has been beset by injuries like the Broncos have over the last three years, then you must logically turn to some common denominator. In Peyton Hillis’ case I think it was simply bad luck but the vast majority of our injury problems may be related to a problem with our strength and conditioning coaches and system. I know that a lot of Bronco fans have voiced this concern. During the off season I think that Coach Shanahan and the the organization should take a closer look at this problem.
Mike in San Diego
Shaun Alexander?
damn, leave it to a passing play to take out the juggernot, what irony after watching him give out so many shots. We definately found our short yardage/goaline back and a second half workhorse to ride when we have a lead next year. Tatum showed that he can still break one and young will hopefully be back soon.
No matter what Tatum Bell has done, enough is enough! He messed up. Who hasn’t! Any one perfect out there? He has to answer for hisself no one els and I believe the Nedia and all those boys on the NFL Aces and ESPN need to shut up. Shame on Warren Sapp for his horrible remarks he made. Warren perfect? I hardly think so. arrogant, but not perfect! Yes Hillis needs to be a starter next year! I feel so bad he isn’t with us fo the play offs, and we will be there. Lets make Tatum feel good and I believe he will be good also! Hopefully we will have Young to help Tatum! Warren, needs to shut his mouth and a few others! God Bless the BRONCO’S!!!
Cory
Cory Boyd time.
This really stinks. Hillis was a good guy. If he’s not back here next season they need to fire the management.
Heal well, Peyton. You have been a great player this year and you have a bright future as a Bronco. Can’t wait for next year! I have NEVER seen so many injuries in all my years watching the NFL, unbelievable!
Wow, when I read it might be 5-6 weeks I figured the season was over for him but I just didn’t want it to be true and be worse news. This just plain sucks. He was becoming such a huge part in our offense and he was starting to help put our running game back on the board.
And YES, YES, YES he should be our starter next season. He is way to good to be sitting on the bench twiddling his thumbs. This kid is full of talent, he’s got class, he’s got the right attitude we want on and off the field and his potential to this team is out of this world. I too expected him to be strong with us into the playoffs but guys, fans & friends this season is not over yet. Just look at what we’ve accomplished with the bazillion injuries we’ve had to deal with this season. We’ve made it past every hurdle thrown our way, things could be so much worse for us.
Yeah, this injury sure bites but we haven’t said our last words. Just keep believing that this team will go far, keep improving and growing and I’m sure you all will be amazed. Surely, by now alot of nay-sayers have shut their trap based solely on the fact that we’ve gotten better as a TEAM and we’re starting to play more and more as a TEAM. The players are learning from their mistakes and correcting them as we go along – they deserve alot of credit for not only trying to improve their game but actually doing it.
Keep having faith in this team…
GO BRONCOS!!!!!
- Mile High Salute – to Hillis. Come back healthy #22, I look forward to seeing you shine like the bright star you are next season.
God Bless you man!!
King of the Hillis – Man, you were on fire !! You get well during the off season and you’ll be back strong! There is not a fan in Bronco Country who is not behind you 110% !! Your play was truly inspirational and you’ll will be missed !!!
We all wish you a speedy recovery and we’ll see you next year. 07elway, you are absolutely right, these guys are playing more as a team now then they have all year. They are playing better on both sides of the ball. If we, the fans, still keep believing that this team can go far in the playoffs then maybe they will. So keep believing and we’ll see what happens.
–GO BRONCOS–
MAN I FEEL LIKE I JUST GOT KICKED IN THE NUTS!!! THIS SUCKS!!!
Denver270, that is a drop kick to the nuts… But it will be ok, as long as those 5 beast stay heathly on the O line, Cut will have time to pick apart and D, and you can put any no name back there and we will still produce +yards… Dont give up bronco fans!!!!
hillis is better than mcfadden and felix…. and whoever brings back the mile high salute is God sent.. excited to see him play next year