Broncos Cut Longtime RB Lance Ball

Lance Ball (35) celebrates as he walks off the field after the game against the Kansas City Chiefs at Sports Authority Field at Mile High. The Broncos won 38-3. (Chris Humphreys-USA TODAY Sports)

The Denver Broncos got an early jump on the roster cuts Friday by telling both running back Lance Ball and wide receiver Gerell Robinson to pack up their lockers and turn in their playbooks.

Here’s the full scoop on Robinson, who was likely waived to make room for rookie Tavarres King. It goes to show that even a five catch, 99-yard night with one touchdown isn’t enough in the “Not For Long” league.

As for Ball, this was going to be his fourth year with the Broncos after playing one game for the Colts during his rookie year. Ball came into the league undrafted and had his best season in 2011 when he had 402 yards on 96 carries (4.2 avg) and one touchdown. He also added 16 receptions for 148 yards and a receiving score that year.

Ball saw a decreased role with the Broncos last season, only carrying the ball 42 times.

The Broncos are clearly looking to go younger at the position and they have high hopes for Ronnie Hillman and Montee Ball.  Knowshon Moreno is a given on the roster, and Jacob Hester is great in pass protection and he’s a good receiving threat out of the backfield as well. The team made the Ball cut to allow injured back C.J. Anderson to make the 53. The Broncos likely feel that Anderson wouldn’t clear the waiver wires and make it to the practice squad.

The team also waived cornerback Aaron Hester on Friday. The rest of the cuts should come closer to Saturday’s 4:00 p.m. deadline.

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