ENGLEWOOD, Colo. — Montee Ball, expected to be the Broncos’ top running back for the upcoming season, will miss the preseason after undergoing a appendectomy surgery Monday.
Ball was listed as the team’s top running back when the depth chart was unveiled Sunday, one day after the team’s scrimmage at Sports Authority Field at Mile High.
Broncos RB Montee Ball will undergo an appendectomy today but is expected to be ready for regular-season opener vs. Colts, per source.
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) August 4, 2014
Ball’s absence was noted by media members at practice Monday morning at the team’s Dove Valley facility.
Only notable player absent from #Broncos practice is RB Montee Ball. He participated in the scrimmage on Saturday.
— Lindsay Jones (@bylindsayhjones) August 4, 2014
Ball took to Twitter later Monday with the news.
I appreciate the get well wishes everyone! I will be ok and come back stronger than ever!! #Broncos
— Montee Ball (@MonteeBall28) August 4, 2014
The Broncos open the preseason Thursday night at Sports Authority Field at Mile High in a rematch of their Super Bowl XLVIII debacle against the Seattle Seahawks. Ball is also expected to miss preseason games at San Francisco on Aug. 17, home against Houston on Aug. 23 and at Dallas on Aug. 28.
Schefter reported Ball is expected to be ready when the Broncos kick off the season Sept. 7 at home against the Indianapolis Colts.
Ball, in his second season with the Broncos after being drafted in the second round in the 2013 draft, is in line to replace Knowshon Moreno, who left the team after last season and is now with the Miami Dolphins.
