5 running backs Broncos should target in light of Javonte Williams injury

Jan 9, 2022; East Rutherford, New Jersey, USA; Washington Football Team running back Antonio Gibson (24) celebrates his touchdown against the New York Giants during the second half at MetLife Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Vincent Carchietta-USA TODAY Sports
Jan 9, 2022; East Rutherford, New Jersey, USA; Washington Football Team running back Antonio Gibson (24) celebrates his touchdown against the New York Giants during the second half at MetLife Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Vincent Carchietta-USA TODAY Sports
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The Denver Broncos are likely going to be in the market for at least one new running back following the injury to Javonte Williams on Sunday.

Javonte Williams went down with a knee injury during the third quarter of Sunday’s loss to the Las Vegas Raiders. Williams was seen on crutches after the game and the fear is that the injury is of a serious nature.

An MRI on Monday will offer a true diagnosis.

If the Broncos should need to replace Williams in the backfield, and odds are they will, who should the team look at? Four weeks into the season, it’s not the best time to be needing a new running back.

The Broncos do have Melvin Gordon, but his fumbling issue is more than troubling.

The Broncos can not count on a duo of Gordon and Mike Boone. This is a spot where they need to look outside the organization to bring in another player. The free-agent market is pretty bare, so the Broncos may need to consider some trades or possibly even the idea of invading another team’s practice squad.

Broncos should consider signing Alex Collins

Denver Broncos
Nov 21, 2021; Seattle, Washington, USA; Seattle Seahawks running back Alex Collins (41) rushes against the Arizona Cardinals during the third quarter at Lumen Field. Mandatory Credit: Joe Nicholson-USA TODAY Sports

Alex Collins is currently a free agent but he would bring an experienced veteran presence to the backfield.

Collins was a fifth-round pick in 2016 and has nearly 2,000 yards rushing and 18 touchdowns during his career. He carried the ball 108 times for the Seattle Seahawks last season while the team dealt with injuries to both Chris Carson and Rashaad Penny.

He also has experience playing with Russell Wilson and is still just 28 years old. The Broncos could bring him in for the rest of the season to share the backfield with Gordon and Boone.

He should be one of the names at the top of the list.

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