So, Mike Shanahan was asked after Sunday's loss at Carolina, any running backs stand out to you today?

"I'll have to look at the film before I tell you that," Shanahan said.

Translation: Let's put it this way. It's not like there were so many who stood out, he didn't have time to name them all.

It's December and the Broncos are in crisis mode in their backfield. It appeared as though they had caught lightning in a bottle with the emergence of rookie Peyton Hillis, but he's gone for the season with a torn hamstring.

That leaves a cast of thousands to try to get the job done. Seemingly thousands anyway.

The irony of all this is that, for all the injuries that have occurred in the Denver backfield, the Broncos' projected starting tailback still is standing. That would be Selvin Young, who was back on the field Sunday after barely playing the previous two months because of a strained groin.

Trouble was, Young committed the ultimate sin against the Panthers. He fumbled just before the end of the first half, setting up a momentum-gathering field goal for Carolina.

There's something you need to know about Broncos tailbacks who fumble: They don't last long. Reuben Droughns was known to cough it up now and then, and he was dumped. So was Tatum Bell. And trust me, there are others on that list, too.

It will be interesting to see how Shanahan reacts to Young's fumble. It goes without saying that Young is the most talented tailback still standing at Dove Valley. But you have to wonder if he'll ever be a factor this season, especially in the aftermath of Sunday's crucial fumble.


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