Seattle's Christine Michael and Tennessee's bulldozing combo of DeMarco Murray and Derrick Henry have stolen the show this weekend, but don't sleep on Devontae Booker.
Denver's rookie running back has generated positive praise all summer inside team walls, and found himself working with the starters on Saturday behind C.J. Anderson and ahead of Ronnie Hillman.
"Probably just the coaches wanting me to get more reps with the 1s," Booker said, per Mike Klis of KUSA-TV in Denver. "Felt good about it and just continuing to go about the work."
Booker was held in check Thursday night against the Bears, carrying the ball four times for 11 yards and hauling in an eight-yard pass. In recent weeks, though, the rookie has gained the trust of coaches, with running backs aide Eric Studesville saying: "I'll put him in the game right now."
The Broncos made it clear how they feel about Hillman this offseason. While furnishing Anderson with a four-year, $18 million contract -- including $10 million guaranteed -- Denver handed Hillman just a one-year pact worth $2 million.
Seen as an ideal fit for Gary Kubiak's one-cut, zone-blocking ground attack, Booker is going to see plenty of snaps this preseason. By his account, he already feels at home with Denver's playbook.
"I couldn't have fell into a better spot, landing here," Booker said Saturday. "One cut, zone system. I feel good about it every time we've got a run call play, I just one jump cut and go. Get downhill fast."
Anderson remains the obvious workhorse in the Rocky Mountains, but Booker has a realistic shot to emerge as Denver's No. 2 runner by Week 1. Maybe even sooner.
