Broncos Release Top Rusher Willis McGahee

Willis McGahee's decision to skip offseason workouts isn't what cost the veteran running back his job with the Denver Broncos.

His absence, however, did allow the organization to see ample promise in rookie Montee Ball and abundant progress from second-year speedster Ronnie Hillman.

That gave them the faith to put the football and their fortunes in the hands of the two young running backs Thursday by releasing McGahee, the 31-year-old bruiser who led them in rushing last season despite missing the final two months with a right knee injury.Wholesale Philadelphia Eagles Jerseys

The move wasn't unexpected, but the timing of it was a bit of a surprise.

The Broncos could have kept McGahee through training camp as an insurance policy against injury even if he wasn't going to vie for the starting job. Instead, they sent him on his way just before wrapping up their three-day mandatory minicamp where McGahee had gotten just a handful of handoffs.

"In fairness to him, I think (for) the things he's done for us, this gives him a better opportunity to hook on somewhere," coach John Fox said. "It gives us a better opportunity to give some of these young guys more reps. It's just a conscious decision for us to get younger."Wholesale Oakland Raiders Jerseys

McGahee was mostly a spectator this week and seemed resigned to his impending release when on Tuesday he said, "If it happens, it happens."

Oznake: Montee Ball