AP Photo/ Jack Dempsey
	Before getting injured, Ryan Torain (above) was pushing Selvin Young for the No. 1 RB spot.

NAPA, Calif. -- The Denver Broncos found out Thursday morning that Ryan Torain's broken elbow, which was injured Wednesday, is more seriously damaged than they originally thought. He will now miss three months because of ligament damage. He was originally expected to miss 6-8 weeks.

Now, the rookie tailback from Arizona State will miss at least half the season. This is a blow to Denver. Torain was performing well in camp and Denver coach Mike Shanahan said Wednesday that Torain was pushing Selvin Young for the No. 1 spot.

With Torain out longer, Young and backups Andre Hall and Michael Pittman will need to take a bigger share of the load. Shanahan likes to keep a lot of running backs in the mix and these players will have to step up.

Torain's injury could give undrafted free agent Anthony Alridge a better chance of making the team. The Houston product is small but super fast and he has been impressive in camp. Now, he has a realistic chance of making the team.