Third in a series previewing the Broncos

In seven of the last eight seasons, two Broncos running backs have had at least 100 rushing attempts. Look for that trend to continue this year.

When the players report to training camp on Wednesday, the expectation is offensive coordinator Rich Scangarello will choose the run-it-via-small-committee approach.

A third-round draft pick in 2018, Royce Freeman was overshadowed by undrafted running back Phillip Lindsay a year ago. Lindsay and Freeman had 192 and 130 attempts, respectively. The Broncos are hopeful the return of Lindsay from off-season wrist surgery and a step forward from Freeman will create a productive tandem.

The Broncos’ Week 1 running back room could be unchanged from a season ago: Lindsay, Freeman, Devontae Booker, and fullback Andy Janovich.

Point: After gaining 1,037 yards as a rookie, Lindsay should be expected to reach the 1,000-yard mark.

Counterpoint: Circumstances may result in a dip in Lindsay’s numbers.

Lindsay emerged early as a physical, durable player and by the time Freeman returned in November from an ankle injury, the run game was going through Lindsay.

Lindsay’s wrist surgery kept him out of team work during the off-season program so the new staff has not seen him run a single play from their playbook.

Hear us out on Lindsay’s production dipping but his impact increasing: If Freeman can improve, the rushing attempts should be close to 50-50. Fresher players should equal more explosive players. Lindsay showed big-play ability last year — his eight rushes of at least 20 yards were tied for ninth in the league.

“He’s just one of the more dynamic players in this league,” Scangarello said of Lindsay. “He’s a guy that we know is capable of a lot.”

Point: Freeman could be a candidate for additional third-down work.

Counterpoint: As a rookie, Freeman had only 14 catches and eight came in the season finale.

Booker was the primary third-down back last year, but the Broncos should explore using Freeman in those situations. A key will be pass protection. Per the Denver Post’s game charting, Booker was booked for 4 1/2 sacks last year in protection. Not good.

If Freeman shows he can get in position and then block a blitzing linebacker/defensive back, he appears to have good enough hands to help as a receiver in the flat.

“I always have high expectations for myself,” he said. “I definitely feel like I have so much to still offer.”

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Counterpoint: Eight catches last year doesn’t suggest a whopping increase in production.

Scangarello was previously the quarterbacks coach in San Francisco. Last year, 49ers fullback Kyle Juszcyzk had only eight carries, but 30 catches.

Janovich is going to play a lot of snaps — a lead blocker is expected to be a staple for the Broncos’ running game. Training camp will be a showcase for Janovich. If he can be motioned out of the backfield and win match-ups downfield, he will be targeted.

Friday: Tight ends.