DENVER -- Somewhat lost in a 21-point win when the Denver Broncos rolled up 568 yards worth of offense, were two injuries that could affect how the team does its business when they have the ball in the coming weeks.
Running back Montee Ball, who finished just 7 yards on his six carries in the 41-20 victory over the Arizona Cardinals Sunday in Sports Authority Field at Mile High, left the game early in the third quarter with a groin injury and did not return. Wide receiver Andre Caldwell also left the game with a knee injury and did not return.
Both players will be evaluated more on Monday, but following Sunday’s game there was some concern among Ball’s teammates and others in the organization that the running back's injury could cause him to miss significant time.
“My prayers are with Montee,’’ said quarterback Peyton Manning. “He just looked like he was in a lot of pain down there on the field, so I hope he’s OK.’’
For Ball, an avulsion fracture would be one of the worst case scenarios in what appeared to be an injury to his right groin. An avulsion fracture occurs when the muscle is pulled with such force that the tendon or ligament it’s connected to tears a chip away from the bone as well.
For the Broncos any missed time from Ball would move Ronnie Hillman into the lead role at running back. Hillman rushed for 64 yards on his 15 carries Sunday. Rookie Juwan Thompson finished with 15 yards on his three carries, including his first career touchdown -- an 8-yard run in the fourth quarter.
C.J. Anderson was a game-day inactive Sunday, so he was not in uniform against the Cardinals.
If Caldwell, who has played as the team’s No. 4 receiver, were to miss time, it would move rookie Cody Latimer into the lineup. Latimer has played 10 special-teams snaps this year, but has not yet appeared on offense.
