The Denver Broncos may be rallying around one key offensive player at present as teammates and coaches line up to back Peyton Manning, but it doesn't look like the same treatment is being afforded to another key offensive player.
With C.J. Anderson having been far from impressive over the first six weeks of the season, noises from within the franchise this week have many predicting a change at the running back position is in the offing.
Revealing
That's after Gary Kubiak heralded the efforts of Anderson's backup, Ronnie Hillman - the head coach taking it upon himself to praise the latter despite initially not having been asked about the situation during yesterday's press conference.
SIGN UP NOW
Want to become a GMS writer? Sign up now and submit a 250 word test article: https://gms.to/haveyoursay4
As reported by ESPN's Jeff Legwold, Kubiak said:
"(Hillman) has earned the right to go on the field more and touch the ball. One thing about this league, if you ever step out there and do it, they can't take it away from you if you keep doing it."
Perhaps most revealing was the fact that, according to Legwold, Kubiak's comments were unprompted by a question from a reporter.
Losing ground
After entering the campaign with high expectations, Anderson has fast been losing ground to his RB teammate.
Accruing just 180 yards on 67 attempts - compared to Hillman's 323 on 66 - it finally looks like the Broncos are preparing to shift the emphasis away from the 2014 breakout star.
Hillman's second 100-yard rushing performance of the season on Sunday perhaps the final straw for Anderson's hopes of the leading the backfield.
And, although Kubiak wasn't confirming a change to the depth chart with his comments, it certainly sounds like the Broncos could come out of their bye week with a different starting running back.
Broncos fans: Who do you want as your starting running back? Have your say in the comments below...