Broncos place RB Hillis on IR with torn hamstring

Dec 9, 2008 - 11:47 PM ENGLEWOOD, Colorado (Ticker) -- Denver Broncos rookie running back Peyton Hillis was placed on injured reserve Tuesday with a torn hamstring, an injury he suffered in Sunday's win over the Kansas City Chiefs.

The Broncos' backfield has been decimated by injuries this season, as Hillis is the sixth running back to be sidelined.

He joins Michael Pittman, Andre Hall, Ryan Torain and Anthony Alridge on IR. In addition, Selvin Young - who opened the season as the team's 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.

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.

Denver's second-round pick in 2004 and a 1,000-yard rusher in 2006, Bell was re-signed by the club in November. After Bell was released by Detroit in the preseason, he was accused of stealing luggage from fellow running back Rudi Johnson.

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

The Broncos also waived safety Calvin Lowry on Tuesday and signed guard Pat Murray from the Seattle Seahawks' practice squad.