Denver Broncos running back Ronnie Hillman has been making fantasy football owners very happy over the past several weeks. Even the newly-retired Champ Bailey has endorsed Hillman as his fantasy running back of choice.

Perhaps Bailey's endorsement was actually the kiss of death, because an injury to Hillman was the surprise news of the day in Dove Valley Wednesday. Hillman was limited in practice after he "landed funny" on his shoulder, Broncos coach John Fox said after practice.

Fox would not go into detail about how serious the injury was.

It's too early to panic yet - there are still two days left of practice, after all - but the news is at least moderately concerning for Broncos fans eager to see Denver's revamped ground game continue its success and fantasy owners relying on Hillman's recent production. In three games since replacing the injured Montee Ball in Week 6, Hillman has averaged 94.3 yards per game and scored two touchdowns. He's averaged 14.7 fantasy points per game in that span in ESPN standard scoring leagues.

The Broncos have depth at running back behind Hillman, although none have a lot of NFL experience - Juwan Thompson, C.J. Anderson, and Kapri Bibbs will all compete for snaps if Hillman's injury causes him to miss time, while Ball is due back any time. We'll keep you posted.

Update: Ronnie Hillman told Troy Renck of the Denver Post he feels fine. Renck says it doesn't seem shoulder injury will limit him Sunday. We'll still keep an eye out.

Wednesday Injury Report

Denver Broncos

Player Pos. Injury Wed. Thur. Fri. Game Status Ball, Montee RB Groin DNP Barrow, Lamin LB Concussion DNP Carter, Quinton S Hamstring DNP Vasquez, Louis G Illness DNP Bolden, Omar CB Concussion LIMITED Hillman, Ronnie RB Shoulder LIMITED Johnson, Steven LB Ankle LIMITED Harris Jr., Chris CB Knee FULL McManus, Brandon K Right Groin FULL Thompson, Juwan RB Knee FULL

New England Patriots

Player Pos. Injury Wed. Thur. Fri. Game Status Jones, Chandler DE Hip DNP Easley, Dominique DE Knee LIMITED Ebner, Nate S Finger LIMITED Fleming, Cameron T Finger LIMITED Slater, Matt WR Shoulder LIMITED Brady, Tom QB Ankle FULL Browner, Brandon CB Ankle FULL Hightower, Dont'a LB Knee FULL

BOLD-Indicates change in status

STATUS DEFINITIONS:

Out - player definitely will not play

Doubtful - at least 75% chance player will not play

Questionable - 50-50 chance player will not play

Probable - virtual certainty player will be available for normal duty