Broncos ground game grounded

The Broncos rushed for just 75 yards on 20 carries against the Lions.

At halftime of Saturday's game, with the starting unit playing the entire time, the Broncos had but 20 yards on eight carries on the ground; and in some ways, it could be argued that quarterback Kyle Orton, who scrambled his way out of some potential trouble, was Denver's best rusher. The fact that it was the second consecutive game the team struggled with the run — the Broncos' average of 55.5 yards rushing in the two contests ranks 30th in the 32-team NFL — with less than three weeks remaining before the season opener at Jacksonville makes that argument somewhat troubling.

The solution might be as easy as getting some of the injured players back on the field. However, Knowshon Moreno, who injured a hamstring at the start of training camp, isn't expected to return to the huddle anytime soon. Neither is Correll Buckhalter, out with a lower back injury.

Next in line in the backfield would be LenDale White. Given the injury woes, it's clear there's an opportunity to be had, but the former Chatfield High School star has a sprained ankle and has barely been on the field since he was picked up at the beginning of the month.