Saw that some fans on the message board yesterday were wondering about Peyton Hillis’ recovery from his hamstring injury he suffered against the Chiefs.
He’s been hanging around the locker room since he’s at the facilities rehabbing this offseason, and I thought I’d give you all a quick update.
He said everything’s coming along fine, and he’s not too concerned that he is staying in Denver working while many of his teammates are on vacation or home with their families.
“As long as I’m in here getting better, getting stronger, getting faster, there’s really not a problem for me,” he said.
Hillis said that it hasn’t really clicked into his mind yet that he’s not rehabbing from last season but really preparing for 2009. But he knows he wants to get into that mindset soon.
“Everything starts off slow because you are injured and you are working toward that goal to get back healthy,” he said. “Especially now because there’s a new coaching staff and a lot of things are going to be changing, you kind of want to get to that point where you’re healthy so you can start learning the playbook and start getting adjusted to things.”
So that’s a little update on his condition, hope that was helpful. There will be a story on many of the players staying in Denver to rehab this offseason in the upcoming issue of Broncos Magazine, so be on the lookout for that.
-Gray Caldwell, DenverBroncos.com
Tags: Gray Caldwell, Offseason, Peyton Hillis, Rehab
Thanks Gray for the update, what a specimen and what a pickup he is for us to have that athletic of a fullback/halfback…pretty lucky!! It would be nice if we kept him at halfback for a season but I would imagine that would be a pipe dream. Again thanks for the update.
Glad to see him rehabbing, and doing well. Peyton, if you read these posts, I hope you know that we all have your back. Hillis is my first choice for RB, a true monster, and a dude that finally brought back the Mile High Salute! Keep up the great work.
Thanks for the post. Peyton get well but know this, it’s ok to go on vacation and kick back for a week or so let it rest bro.
Good to hear everything is going good with Hillis’ injury. I can’t wait to see him healthy and ready for big things in ’09!
Go Broncos ’09!!!
Bronco country hopes the injury is healing well Peyton, we cant wait to see you play agian.
This article brings up an important question about the turnover in Denver.
Has Rich Tuten been retained by the new coaching staff?
If so, does anyone fear a connection between his training regimen and the number of soft-tissue injuries our team faced in 2008?
Get well soon Peyton, I am proud to see you in a Broncos uniform.
This is Ken from Fayetteville AR. We miss you down here, hope all is well. That catch you made when you got injured was one of the best in the NFL this year. All is well @ U of A!
Hey Gray, Do you have a list of the players who’s contracts are up? That would be interesting to see.
Hopefully Peyton is back at it in 2009, what a stud. Lots of love from Fort Smith, hope to see you soon!
In my opinion, Peyton was our best runner this year. I sure hope he’ll be the main RB in 2009. It’s hard to imagine someone being more productive.
Peyton Hillis and Ryan Torain can be the best RB tandem in the league! I sure hope that Coach McDaniels knows that, and keeps the running game primary in our offense because Hillis is one of the most sound running backs i have seen in a long time!
Thanks for the update Gray… glad to know he’s getting the help he needs. Hillis is a beast & a stud… come back healthy & strong, we need a runner like you – for a WHOLE season!! But like monodono said, its perfectly A-ok to just let the injury rest and heal on its own but don’t slack off too much.
And remotefan… totally agree, although I would say its more of a fact than an opinion that Hillis was our best runner this year. He certainly has got some serious talent & potential… we need to hold on to him and quite a few others. I can totally picture Hillis as our starting RB next season… he’s got the job in my book. I just hope McD can see what insane talent we have on offense and do something productive with it.
With faith…
GO BRONCOS in ’09!!!!
Gray ~
On the topic of injuries. Has anyone looked into the training and rehab programs to see why we have had these problems the last couple of years?
I understand that injuries are a part of football, but we seem to get a disproportionate share. Isnt it time that we face facts and address this part of the Bronco’s problem? Are there any plans to address it?
Tatumfan,
Asking a question is NOT bashing. Chill out man. When a significant number of players get injured on a team, the scrutiny goes on the Strength and Conditioning coach. Whether you like it or not, conditioning is a vital part of preventing injuries and excusing them all away without any evidence doesn’t prevent a very good case.
I’m not assuming it is all Tuten and his crew. I’m assuming it needs to be assessed and a determination made.
Thanks for the update – How is Carlton Powell? He might make a good 3-4 DE????
Hillis is without a doubt a diamond in the rough. While everyone is on vacation and with their families, this guy is working and preparing for next season. What a stud! I truly believe that if he didn’t get hurt, Denver would have made the playoffs. It’s definitely a team game and sport, but I think the team started to gain a certain swagger and attitude with Hillis in the backfield. I agree with a lot of you that say he should be our starting RB next year. He has power, great hands and foot work…what could be better?
GO BRONCOS!!!!
I heard on tv that McDaniels might keep Rick dennison as offensive coordinator unless he wants to go to San Francisco. Also Booby Turner will stay as our runningbacks coach.
Peyton is one of my favorite players, I love that he’s bringing back the salute and the power he brings to this run, it’s awsome. He’s kinda like having a LB runnig the ball, hopefulry him and Pittman can help us from being tagged as one of those finess teams.
GO BRONCOS !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
dare2bme:
I’m positive Coach McDaniels will take a look at all aspects of how things are done here, from the assistant coaches to strength and conditioning to the team’s travel arrangements. Any time there’s a change at the top, everything is looked over, and if Coach McDaniels sees anything he feels needs to be changed, rest assured he’ll make those changes.
C2:
We will have a comprehensive list of our own free agents as well as some of the key free agents at every position when we get closer to the opening of free agency. Stay tuned.
Pratama:
Like you said, injuries certainly are a part of football. Every team goes through them every year — just look at the Patriots losing their franchise QB and linebackers galore. The Jaguars’ offensive line was banged up all season. I know it seems like the Broncos have been hit with the injury bug pretty hard lately, but you can’t chalk it up to much more than bad luck. But like I said to dare2bme, Coach McDaniels will make changes where he feels they are warranted. We’ll see as time goes by where those changes might take place, if there are any to be made.
rev79:
Carlton Powell has been around the facilities a decent amount this offseason, still working with Greek on occasion to rehab his injury, and Ryan Torain (who is also still here rehabbing) said he has hung out with him a few times to watch some playoff games. Powell certainly has potential, especially due to his big role in a solid defensive front at Virginia Tech. Certainly looking forward to seeing him in action come next season.
Thanks for reading, keep the questions coming.
-Gray
It is good to hear that Peyton is working hard to recover from that hamstring injury. This young man is dedicated to his job and I’m sure he will do whatever it takes to get back to 100 percent. I know I sure can’t wait to see what Peyton will do when the season starts for 2009. The Broncos haven’t had a runner like him for several years and I know I want to see Peyton continue to build on what he started last season. I also want a Hillis jersey when they come out.
Thanks for the great debut season – Peyton. You opened alot of eyes around the NFL and with most Bronco fans, who never saw you play when you were with the Arkansas Razorbacks. You delivered some punishing runs, blocked really well, & displayed the soft hands that round off a great FB. Take some time to get some hunting in during the offseason… look forward to seeing out on the battlefield next year.
Hey do you know if Hilis is going to be Tailback next season or a Full back caus i think that he is a mike anderson type bruising back and if we get the 1-2 punch with hime and pittman it could et us back up their along with jay’s arm and Royals hands. I am a die hard broncos fan Yeah!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!1
This guy represents what Bronco football is all about!
Not to put an odd slant to the fantastic news about Hillis’s recovery (Mr. Caldwell, will you please tell Mr. Hillis that he has generated a massive and forward looking fan base and we all want to see him again next year!) but the remarks that Shanahan was making about fitting Hillis into a hybrid role like a Tiger was scaring me some what. I am not remarking in any way shape or form on the firing of Denver’s former Head Coach but some of those “clever” ideas were responsible for our record last year. Peyton is a straight ahead power runner with really quick feet and I hope that Coach McDaniel’s sees things the same way. I find it interesting that the Senior Bowl really highlighted Peyton Hillis’s abilities for me a year ago. I was watching for him and did he ever deliver. Who are the seniors that the rest of you are looking for this year. I usually am a draft guru but haven’t had the time this year to even start looking. By this time last year I was having dreams of Hillis running out of Denver’s back field. I’m glad that one came true.
Dominate,
Mike in San Diego
meisner, you are very correct.
When Torain and Hillis are healthy, the broncos run game will virtually be impossible. Torain can go for the 1st and second down runner and we got Hillis as our 4th down and goal line runner. Nothing will go in our way. With Cutler as our leader, man guys…if we stay healthy and our D picks up, we will virtually be unstoppable.
Hillis is a STUD!!!!!! I cant wait to see him healthy on the filed again next season. with a 1-2 punch of Hillis & Torain we will be equal or greater than the Giants backfield. I just hope J Mac uses this to the Broncos advantage. our Offense has the potential to be really special next year. lets hope are “D” will just be a little better, & we will kick the Chargers butts all over the football field.
Thanks for the update. This is why I love Peyton. Everybody needs to be hungry and ready to go for 2009.
Great to know the best running back we have is getting better…he is amazing!!! he actually runs hard!!!
go broncos
thats cool he can be used in way too many ways to lose him, we could line him up at halfback fullback or even tightend, he is a very exciting player to watch, hope he gets healthy soon
Peyton Hillis, what can you say? A very rare talent indeed , great hands, great feet and quick. I think he could be one of the best runningback ever in the NFL if he can stay healthy ,truly an amazing talent. Get well Peyton, be patient with your rehab and get it healed up right.
Glad to hear of some possible holdovers from last years staff that performed exceptionally well. That may be an indicator that our new young coach is wise beyond his years.
Thanks for the great interview with coach Belichick Broncos web team, we devour every bit of info you send our way, keep it coming!
Sounds like Coach Mac has begun to lay the groundwork and build the foundation with the coaches who will work with him. Great to hear that he will retain RB Coach Bobby Turner from Coach Shanahans staff. Coach Turner did a great job with the RB’s this year and bringing in someone to fill someone else’s shoes this year. Even Bill Romanowski wants a shot to work with the Broncos in some capacity this year.
trade selvin, pittman, and hall!
we got hillis, aldridge, and torain!
Hillis is a FOOTBALL PLAYA!! Eddie Royal, Hillis, Clady, Harris, Larsen and Woodyard are guys you can build a Championship around. We could be scary good next year. Personally, as long as we Dominate the Chargers I could care less if we make the playoffs. I have never been so excited about our draft and camp to start. Sound’s like Hillis is going to be ready too!
Payton,
You are a true football player all around and i’ am glad that the broncos have you. For the last couple of years, I have said time and time again that we need a true warrior in the back field. Payton you have done exactly that, you have brought back a threat to the broncos game that has been missed. I KNOW!!!!! that you will be back healthy and better than ever, my prayers are with you. I can’t wait to see you out there running over defenses inflicting pain 2009 is yours Payton take it and run with it man.
aldridge over young no way pittman will be a free agent so will tatum bell, personally we either need to split with hillis torain if they stay healthy or young. might need a different running back as well a big name back
On the website I go to for a mock draft (which they update every week) has been updated
Here’s what they have for the rounds 1-3 (that’s all they give)
Round 1: Ray Molaluga (yea… everyone knows about him)
Round 2: Tyson Jackson, DE, LSU
Round 3: Sherrod Martin, FS, Troy
So yeah… I like the position picks and order of the positions, but I’m not sure about Jackson or Martin, I just don’t know who they are. BUT, I do know Molaluga would be great.
Thanks for the update on Hillis. I cant wait to see what he can do next season.
Our “Peyton” is just as valuable to us as Peyton Manning is to the Colts. Hillis is a power back that can do numerous things well so I can hardly wait to have him back. If Hillis is healthy, Cutler will no longer throw interceptions in the red zone and the Broncos will thrive.
Hillis is awesome to watch play. We need to get the ball in his hands. Whether it’s a handoff, a pitch, or a pass…get him the ball. He’s shown tremendous skills, and once you’ve witnessed the destruction of his “Mile High March”, you can tell he plays with tremendous heart also (and we’ve all taken QUITE a liking to that Mr. Hillis). Hope there’s many more salutes in store for us.
Football is a contact sport. Football is Peyton Hillis.
Go Broncos ’09!!!
All I can say Payton as I come from Weddington!
WOOOOOOOOO PIG SOOOOOOOOOOIE!
All I can say Payton as I come from Weddington!
WOOOOOOOOO PIG SOOOOOOOOOOIE!
WOOOOOOOOO PIG SOOOOOOOOOOIE!
WOOOOOOOOO PIG SOOOOOOOOOOIE!
RAZORBACKS!
Am happy to hear that hillis is recovering nicely
As for everyone that keeps mentioning torain as a starter..well forget about that..Hillis has earned his stripes when he played while torain has not played a complete game to give him that honor yet! He needs to work his way back first..and show he can at least play a full game before he can be a 2. As for now the RB order should be like this..hillis, pittman, bell and torain.
As for the draft..lets not jump into that just yet! free agency start first, and there will be lots of defensive DT and CB available out there..hayneworth should be our main objective…and maybe we might get lucky and take sproles from SD..that guy keeps hurting us.
broncobailey99- I agree with the LB from USC but what about brown in FSU? he can go both ways de/lb – like merriman or suggs..
Gray-
Thank you for the update. Hillis has definitely become a fan favorite around here.
A lot of people are also curious about how Carlton Powell’s recovery is progressing. Do you have any information?
yeah keep bringing that Mile High Salute! we are gonna need it this year!!!
DR DOOM, I don’t want to burst your bubble but I think you misunderstood what they reported on T.V. Rick Dennison only interviewed, and Bobby Turner interviewed also and was offered a position but we don’t know at what capacity or if he want’s to stay. I hope so I hope they Both want to stay but we shal see. I ownder if Gray would so kind as to clear this question up for us…..please?
TIME OF POSSESSION ! ! !
GO BRONCOS ! ! !
excuse me let me wipe the drool from my chin….sorry about that. Mr. Caldwell would you be so kind as to clear the previous question up about Bobby Turner, and Rick Dennison. What capacty will they atian if theys choose to stay?
WOW I need some coffee theys choose to stay HA! atain HA! good grief
hillis, aldridge, bell, torain
i havent been this excited about a bronco rookie since cutler.. im really excited tht we snatched this guy up so late in the draft. i absolutely love how he runs. i hope tht hillis shows up big during the practices this year nd Mcdaniels starts him. i would love to see him have a 1000 yrd season.. Guys amazin GO BRONCS!