Denver isn’t running out of running backs; it ran out of them a long time ago.

And now, the problem has intensified.

Rookie running back Peyton Hillis, who opened training camp seventh on Denver’s depth chart but eventually was promoted to starter due to injuries to other backs, will be placed on the season-ending injured-reserve list due to a hamstring injury, Broncos coach Mike Shanahan confirmed Monday.

To fill Hillis’ roster spot, the Broncos will sign rookie undrafted free agent running back Cory Boyd off their practice squad. But Boyd should be on the lookout: Any Broncos back who has moved up the depth chart this season has somehow found himself injured, quite often seeing his season ended.

Once Hillis is added to injured reserve, the Broncos will have five running backs there: Michael Pittman, Andre Hall, Ryan Torain, Anthony Aldridge and Hillis. Plus, running back Selvin Young has missed most of the season with a groin injury.

Denver is expected to start Tatum Bell, who recently was working in a cell phone store at a mall in the Denver area. Denver is running out of options.

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