Broncos RB Hillis to go on IR with torn hamstring

Dec 8, 2008 - 11:29 PM ENGLEWOOD, Colorado (Ticker) -- The running back situation has gone from bad to disastrous for the Denver Broncos.

Rookie Peyton Hillis suffered a torn hamstring in Denver's 24-17 victory over the Kansas City Chiefs on Sunday and could be done for the season.

Coach Mike Shanahan said Monday that Hillis will go on season-ending injured reserve, which already has claimed four other Denver running backs this season.

"He tore the muscle about two or three inches, so he will be on injured reserve," Shanahan said. "It is about an eight-week recovery. We are looking at a specialist to see if he should have surgery. Right now, we don't think they would go in that direction but we haven't ruled it out for sure. We should find out in the next 24 hours if they decide to go in that direction."

In addition, Selvin Young, who opened the season as the starter, has had just one carry in the past seven games due to a lingering groin injury.

Hillis, a blocking fullback in college, has been a revelation for the Broncos, scoring five touchdowns in his last four games after being pressed into emergency duty at tailback.

"He brings a lot of energy to the table to it's tough to lose a guy like that," Shanahan said.

The Broncos (8-5) hold a three-game lead over the San Diego Chargers in the AFC West and can clinch the division title with either a win or a Chargers loss.

Hillis' injury leaves Tatum Bell as the only healthy tailback on the roster. Bell rushed for 52 yards on 11 carries after Hillis was hurt Sunday.

"When he's got his opportunity to play, he's played well," Shanahan said. "I've been pleased with him."

Denver's second-round pick in 2004 and a 1,000-yard rusher in 2006, Bell was re-signed by the club on November.

After Bell was released by Detroit in the preseason, he was accused of stealing luggage from fellow running back Rudi Johnson.