Broncos swap running backs

The end of the Broncos’ quarterback battle rightfully stole Monday’s headlines, but an under-the-radar roster move should bring even more juice to a deep running backs room.

The Broncos claimed running back Stanley Williams off waivers, a day after he was released by Cincinnati. The undrafted rookie carried the ball three times for nine yards as a Bengal this preseason.

Williams led Kentucky in rushing during each of his three collegiate seasons. A four-star recruit out of high school, Williams chose Kentucky over multiple football powerhouses, such as Clemson, Oregon and LSU. His career rate of 6.8 rushing yards per attempt ranks third all-time among SEC ball carriers. Williams ran for 1170 yards and seven touchdowns in his senior season.

At 5-foot-7 and just 190 pounds, Williams could struggle running between the tackles in the NFL. Any chance of a career in professional football will hinge on improvement as a receiver out of the backfield. In 13 games last season, Williams only caught eight passes.

While Williams is a long shot to make the 53-man roster as a rookie, he is a prime candidate to make the Broncos’ practice squad. Denver’s only have two other practice-squad eligible running backs, Devontae Booker and De’Angelo Henderson. Both Booker and Henderson are widely considered locks to make the regular season roster.

The Broncos waived veteran running back Bernard Pierce to clear roster space for Williams. Pierce battled injuries throughout training camp, after carrying the ball six times in the previous two seasons. The 27-year-old back was productive as a rookie, serving as the primary backup to Ray Rice in Baltimore.