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ENGLEWOOD, Colo. -- The Broncos are seemingly close to regaining their bread and butter running attack as the running back competition heats up in training camp.
 
Head Coach John Fox wants to establish the running game as part of a balanced offense, and many running backs are vying for significant minutes. The plot took a twist Tuesday, as the Broncos released veteran LenDale White, who was coming off an Achilles injury, in order to give the younger running backs more of a chance to make a name for themselves.
 
"We just felt at this point that we've got some young guys to give an opportunity to, and that's the decision we made," Fox said. "We claimed C.J. Gable, he's learning, trying to pick up our offense in two days. We've just got some guys that we want to take a look at. We're just trying to get better and every decision we make is to improve our football team."
 
Some of the players Fox is referring to are third-year running back Lance Ball, second-year back Jeremiah Johnson, first-year Brandon Minor and the rookie Gable. Ball has been getting most of the second-team reps thus far in training camp and received a team-high eight carries in the Broncos' first preseason game Thursday, but Johnson had a team-high 28 yards on four carries and the team's first touchdown.
 
However, as of now those players are vying for playing time behind Knowshon Moreno and Willis McGahee. Both players have gotten most, if not all, of the first-team reps. Quarterback Kyle Orton doesn't think a clear-cut starter will emerge between the two players and thinks that it's vital both of them can contribute.
 
"I think it's easy to see that you need two backs in this league -- I don't think there's a good running team out there that only has one back," Orton said. "So they have to be able to get in there, take some carries off of each other, and help take the pounding off each other as well."
 
Orton notes that Moreno and McGahee's games complement each other, as he says Moreno is a more aggressive runner while McGahee is more patient and looks for backside cuts. Both players were able to utilize their strengths Thursday when they combined to run for 40 yards on six carries during their only series of the game. Five of those carries came consecutively in the middle of the field as the running game found a groove.
 
"We want to be a multi-task offense, and I think some games we're going to try and lean on the run and some games we're going to lean on the pass, but it's good to get out there and establish a run," Orton said. "I think everyone does a good job opening up holes for the backs and Willis and Knowshon are running the ball hard."
 
One often-underrated aspect of a successful running game is the downfield blocking from the receivers.
 
"To break big runs, like I learned in high school and learned in college, you need perimeter blocking, and that comes with us," receiver Eric Decker said. "Six-yard runs turn into 60-yard runs when the receivers are blocking downfield, and I take great pride in it. I know the receiving corps, we've talked about it. We know that's our job to do."
 
It goes without saying that the receivers' other job is to catch passes, and that becomes easier with successful downfield blocking.
 
"I think the good thing is the receivers have taken a lot of ownership in the block and they realize how much easier it is going to make their life if we can get single safety routes to throw the ball into," Orton said. "So the whole offense is embracing it and taking ownership in it."
 
'NEXT MAN UP'
 
Defensive tackles Ty Warren and Marcus Thomas missed practice Tuesday after suffering injuries during Monday's practice. Fox said Warren left with a triceps strain while Thomas had a pectoral strain. Both players were getting first-team reps early in practice before their injuries, but Fox is confident others can step in.
 
"(Injuries are) part of the deal, especially in camp," Fox said. "But we have a 'next-man-up' philosophy, so (DT Brodrick Bunkley) Bunk and (DT) Kevin Vickerson will get an opportunity along with some others. We will just take it day-to-day."
 
Vickerson acknowledges that Warren and Thomas were two strong players, but says the defensive line will be fine while they recover.
 
"It's going to be missing some vital pieces without those two guys, but we have to be accountable for everybody. Other guys have to step up and they have to be pros at it, it's part of the business," Vickerson said. "The guys that we brought in were Bunkley and (DT Jeremy) Jarmon and (DT Ryan) McBean returning and (DT) Mitch Unrein and the guys inside. There's just a lot of communication we have to get going and things to that nature, but we should be alright."
 
While the extent of the injuries and the timetable for Warren and Thomas to return are unknown, Vickerson wishes them a speedy recovery.
 
"I'm hoping that they can be back before the season starts or a couple weeks after the season starts at least," he said.