Denver Broncos: Can Stevan Ridley provide a boost to the offense?

Will Stevan Ridley carve out a significant role with the Denver Broncos?

According to DenverBroncos.com’s Ben Swanson, the Denver Broncos scrambled to sign Stevan Ridley due to an injury that happened to Devontae Booker as a replacement in order to have an extra body in camp. Ridley, who was pretty much nonexistent during the last two seasons, accumulating just 97 rushing yards and zero touchdowns, will likely experience his last opportunity to latch on with an NFL team. His contract with the team is for one year, making him an easy cut if he doesn’t perform in training camp.

Ridley’s best season came in 2012 when he rushed for 1,263 yards and 12 touchdowns with the New England Patriots. He was highly efficient, rushing for a 4.4 yards per carry average while tallying 78.9 yards per game.

The following season, in 2013, he was only able to start in six games, accumulating just 773 years and seven touchdowns. 2014 was even worse with only 340 yards and two touchdowns on the ground. He has only rushed for 437 yards and two touchdowns in the last three seasons.

Many would’ve though his career was certainly over, considering his production totals in recent years. But due to an injury to Booker, the Broncos decided to take a chance on the 28-year old running back.

According to the Broncos Twitter account, Ridley is already providing an impact to the team by standing out in practice. He appears to be rejuvenated with an extra burst to his step, displaying a lot of effort and seems like he’s in position to compete for a spot on the roster.

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The Broncos needed the extra depth at running back, since they are currently monitoring Jamaal Charles’ workload and due to Booker being out with an injury. The team might have found a diamond in the rough if Ridley and step up and take the reigns while in training camp with the Broncos.

Don’t get too carried away with the Ridley signing, because he’s still a long shot to make team. The Broncos currently have a lot of talent on the roster with C.J. Anderson, Devontae Booker, Jamaal Charles, De’Angelo Henderson on the depth chart. There’s a lot of competition and he will definitely need to prove himself in the coming weeks in order to make the team.

Ridley is a veteran with some experience and if he can somehow revert to his old way then there’s a chance that he could make the team. His potential will be dictated by how he plays in camp. If he can reel off a few big games in the preseason then he might be able to carve out a role with the team.

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Don’t get to optimistic, because the odds are still stacked against him as he’s more than likely going to get cut before the start of the season. He’s a player to keep an eye on going forward, because he’s an interesting case due to his previous history of being a productive back in the league.