Royce Freeman’s durability as a college running back was never in doubt.

As a rookie in the NFL, it’s already been tested.

Oregon played 53 games between 2014-’17. Freeman appeared in 51. And, he never missed consecutive games in one season. It’s what made recent events so difficult for Freeman, who sustained an ankle injury in Denver’s Week 7 victory against Arizona and has missed the past two games.

“I try to miss as little time as possible, but things happen and I take it upon myself to get back as quickly as I can,” Freeman said. “But you miss it so much, especially when you’re out.”

It appears his football hiatus is nearing an end, however. Freeman returned to practice Wednesday as a limited participant and head coach Vance Joseph is optimistic he’ll be ready to play Sunday at the Chargers.

“(Freeman) looked OK. It wasn’t perfect, but he wants to be out there,” Joseph said. “If I’m a betting man, I’ll bet on Royce that he plays Sunday.”

Added Freeman: “I always listen to the (medical) staff and what they have for me. They’ve done a great job of helping me get back to where I am.”

Broncos’ undrafted free agent running back Phillip Lindsay‘s role grew with Freeman’s absence. In losses at Kansas City and versus Houston, Lindsay carried 35 times for 155 yards and one touchdown. Third-down back Devontae Booker also stepped in with 93 yards on the ground including a long scoring scamper against the Chiefs. While not stagnant without Freeman, his addition to the Denver backfield provides a wealth of positives.

“It helps (offensive coordinator Bill Musgrave) with his play calling because Royce has his specialties that he’s really good at,” Joseph said. “It keeps the defense off-balance when you have a runner like Royce and a guy like Phillip who can be in the backfield or flex out of the backfield.”

The Broncos’ rushing offense ranked No. 10 overall in the NFL with Freeman through his first seven games (124.2). It didn’t slip in his absence, jumping to ninth with a 2-yard increase. Lindsay nevertheless looks forward to once again sharing the backfield with his fellow rookie.

“For one, it’s going to help us all stay healthier,” Lindsay said. “Two, it brings a different element. He’s a bigger dude. I’ll take pressure off of him and he’ll take pressure off of me — and we can keep things rolling.”

The Chargers are vulnerable to big ground gains with their four previous opponents all eclipsing 100 yards rushing. Freeman spent the past three weeks, including the bye, serving as another pair of eyes in film breakdowns with teammates. He lauded Lindsay’s performance: “He’s capable of everything on the field. I think that’s what makes him so dynamic. He’s not just a one-trick pony.”

But Freeman’s always-churning legs don’t take kindly to extended in-season rest. A California comeback sure sounds sweet.

“Being able to practice is definitely something that was very exciting,” he said. “I was looking forward to it all week.”