Rocky Mountain News: When the buck that is the depth chart stops
at your desk, one word can mean a lot. And when Broncos HC
Shanahan was asked Monday if Michael Pittman could power his way
deeper into the team's rotation at running back, Shanahan quickly
responded: "Sure." Pittman already is the Broncos' 3rd-down back
because of his ability as a receiver and pass blocker. He also is
the choice in short-yardage situations. But he continues to hope
for more. "I always want to show I have a lot left in me," Pittman
said. "I'll play whatever role they want me to play, but when I
get the chance to carry the ball, I want to show them I've still
got the speed, still got the power." The 33-year-old has shown
both in recent weeks, turning a short pass into a 41-yard gain
against the Chiefs, as well as some bruising runs against the Bucs
on Sunday. Pittman was the lone back in the lineup Sunday as the
Broncos closed the game in the final minutes, getting the team's
final first down on back-to-back 6-yard runs through the middle of
the Bucs defense.
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