Rookie Knowshon Moreno is the projected starter for the Denver Broncos in 2009. (David Zalubowski / Associated Press)

The Broncos have released running back J.J. Arrington after he failed a physical. He’s now scheduled to undergo microfracture surgery on his problematic right knee.

The procedure will likely force him to miss the entire 2009 season.

Arrington was signed by the team in the offseason to serve as a third-down back behind Correll Buckhalter and LaMont Jordan.

That was before the selection of Knowshon Moreno in the draft.

The talented and versatile rookie, who I project to open next season as the starter, is now almost certain to see most of the work on passing downs with Arrington out of the mix.

That does nothing but add to Moreno’s value in both standard and PPR seasonal formats.

While he’ll be drafted as more of a flex starter in some leagues, Moreno has the potential to become a regular fantasy starter in 2009. Look for him to come off the board between the third and fifth rounds.

Michael Fabiano will be posting updates on everything fantasy football on Twitter at http://twitter.com/mikefabianonfl.

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