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The Broncos placed starting running back Willis McGahee on injured reserve yesterday, leaving no short-yardage backs remaining on the roster.
Denver will likely have a rotation of Knowshon Moreno, Ronnie Hillman, and Lance Ball on Sunday, but none of those three backs can run between the tackles or pass block as well as McGahee. For that reason, the Broncos have been looking into other options.
Free agent running back Tatum Bell threw his name into the conversation, but the Broncos probably didn’t even notice. This week, the team worked out free agents Steve Slaton and Jacob Hester, formerly of Houston and San Diego, respectively.
Per @1023espn, #Broncos may sign free agent Jacob Hester next week, a former Chargers special teams stud and rotational running back.
— Jon Heath (@JHeath_DEN) November 22, 2012
According to Mike Klis of ESPN 102.3, the Broncos worked out Hester on Wednesday and are likely to sign him either this week or the week following. A former third-round selection out of LSU, Hester was a special teams ace for San Diego from 2008-2011, while also providing depth to the Chargers‘ backfield.
A fifth-year player who weighs in at 235 pounds (the same weight as McGahee), Hester could provide the Broncos with a versatile short-yardage option, while also contributing as a receiver out of the backfield and as a blocker in pass protection.
Would you approve of the Broncos bringing in Hester? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below!