Ronnie Hillman Injury: Updates on Broncos Star's Foot and Return

Ronnie Hillman emerged as a threat for the Denver Broncos earlier this season, but the diminutive speedster suffered a foot injury against the Oakland Raiders on Nov. 9. He missed the team's Week 13 clash with the Chiefs and Week 14 against the Bills. He was inactive for Week 15 and Week 16. He's probable for Week 17.

Continue for updates.

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Hillman Active vs. Raiders

Sunday, Dec. 28

Ronnie Hillman is active for the Broncos' regular season finale vs. Oakland, via Michelle Tuckner of Fox 31.

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Hillman Probable for Week 17

Friday, Dec. 26

Mike Klis of the Denver Post has the latest on Hillman:

ESPN's Jeff Legwold had more detail:

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 "He's got good burst, good explosion, same things you saw before the injury," said Broncos head coach John Fox following Friday's practice. "He looks to be back in that form and we'll see how that goes, he hasn't played football in six weeks. Get nervous a little bit about that, but he has a good week of practice."

"

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Hillman Inactive in Week 16

Monday, Dec. 22

Mike Klis of the Denver Post confirms Ronnie Hillman will be inactive in Week 16 against the Cincinnati Bengals.

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Thursday, Dec. 18

Hillman Limited with Foot Injury

Cecil Lammey of ESPN Denver provides an update on Hillman's injury:

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Hillman Inactive for Week 15

Sunday, Dec. 14

Jeff Legwold of ESPN.com relayed the Broncos' inactive list vs. the Chargers:

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Hillman Questionable for Week 15

Friday, Dec. 12

Troy Renck of The Denver Post has the latest on Hillman:

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Hillman Inactive for Week 14

Sunday, Dec. 7

Jeff Legwold of ESPN.com confirmed Hillman was not available to play today:

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Hillman not Practicing Wednesday

Wednesday, Dec. 3

ESPN's Jeff Legwold has an update on Hillman's status:

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Hillman Out vs. Kansas City

Friday, Nov. 28

Jeff Legwold of ESPN has an update on Hillman's status for Sunday:

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Hillman Out vs. Miami

Friday, Nov. 21

Andrew Mason of Broncos.com has the latest on Hillman:

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Hillman Out vs. Rams

Friday, Nov. 14

Mike Klis of The Denver Post has the latest on Hillman:

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Hillman Suffers Foot Injury 

Monday, Nov. 10

According to Mike Klis of The Denver Post, Hillman suffered a foot injury that will keep him out at least two weeks:

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The Broncos will be without Ronnie Hillman for at least two weeks after the starting running back suffered a midfoot sprain in his right foot Sunday, according to an NFL source.

Hillman seemed to suffer the injury as he was attempting to catch a pass early in the Broncos’ 41-17 win against the Oakland Raiders. He limped off the field and had his right ankle taped then returned to the game.

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Head coach John Fox had a more optimistic view of Hillman's injury status, via Andrew Mason of DenverBroncos.com 

Since becoming Denver's lead back after Montee Ball went down with a groin injury in early October and has been placed on inured reserve, Hillman stepped up to assume the starting role and has been praised by observers. John Middlekauff of 95.7 The Game has been particularly impressed with his dynamism:

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Ronnie Hillman has phenomenal feet combined w/ break away speed. Kid is getting better every week. Nasty little weapon

— John Middlekauff (@JohnMiddlekauff) October 24, 2014"

ESPN's Adam Caplan agrees, but added that Hillman has started to develop into an all-around back rather than a one-trick pony:

Prior to Hillman's ascension, the Denver offense was almost entirely dependent upon quarterback Peyton Manning and the passing game. There is no question that Manning is still the most integral figure on the entire team, but Hillman's play had been beneficial to everyone around him.

Among Anderson and Juwan Thompson, Denver has enough depth to get by while Hillman is out. But considering the way he has performed thus far in 2014, there's no question he will be a notable loss.

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