Ronnie Hillman: "Surprise" for running back to crack 53-man Denver Broncos roster

DENVER, Aug. 22 (UPI) -- Preseason snaps are dwindling down, and so are opportunities to be one of the 53 men on an NFL roster.

Ronnie Hillman could be finding that out in brutal fashion with the Denver Broncos. According to 9 News Denver's Mike Klis, Hillman's days could be "numbered." Kils said "it would be a surprise" if the Broncos decided to pay the remaining $1.4 million on his salary.

Hillman was outplayed in camp. C.J. Anderson is the projected starter and rookie Devontae Booker is sitting in the No. 2 slot. Hillman finds himself contending for the No. 3 role with Kapri Bibbs breathing down his neck.

Hillman, 23, should still have plenty of tread left. Broncos coach Gary Kubiak conveyed the same sentiment last week about Hillman, when he said Hillman "is in a battle."

"Ronnie is in a battle, a helluva battle with Kapri and Book right now," Kubiak told ESPN. "There's no way around that. I'm just being honest with you.

"Special teams are going to be real important. Ronnie is going to play a lot this week, and he's going to have to play some special teams, so it's a very competitive situation right now."

Hillman had 863 rushing yards and seven scores in 2015. He also had 111 receiving yards.

Booker and Hillman were listed as co-No. 2's on the Broncos' initial depth chart. Bibbs leads the Broncos in rushing during the preseason, with 76 yards on 18 carries. Booker has 47 yards on 13 carries, while Anderson has 38 yards and a score on eight carries. Hillman has averaged just three yards per tote early on, logging six carries.