Report: Recently signed RB Theo Riddick to miss 6-8 weeks

Less than a week after the Broncos signed Theo Riddick, they lost him to a fractured shoulder.

The Denver Broncos continue to have bad news thrown their way from the trainers room this preseason, as news about one of their newest players broke Sunday morning.

Recently-signed running back Theo Riddick was diagnosed with a fracture in his shoulder following Thursday night's preseason game against the Seattle Seahawks, sidelining the receiving threat out of the backfield for 6-8 weeks according to 9NEWS' Mike Klis.

This doesn't come as a significant hit to the Broncos' roster at this time, as Riddick was brought in to compete with Devontae Booker for the third running back position on the depth chart. Booker is still a solid player out of the backfield and as a pass protector, but Riddick certainly had a shot to dethrone the Broncos former fourth-round selection. 

The Broncos also have breakout star Phillip Lindsay and second-year back Royce Freeman in the mix, as well as camp standout Khalfani Muhammad, among others, trying to secure at least a spot on the 10-man practice squad.

Riddick is primarily known as one of the best receivers out of the backfield in the NFL, and would have been a perfect fit for what new offensive coordinator Rich Scangarello figures to do with his scheme this season.

Coming from the Kyle Shanahan coaching tree, Scangarello could incorporate a lot of plays that are designed to target running backs in the passing game, something all Broncos fans should be aware of if they think back to 2016 when Atlanta Falcons running backs Devonta Freeman and Tevin Coleman shredded the Broncos' defense in Week 5.

Now that Riddick seems to be out of the picture for the time being, the onus is most certainly on Booker to step up once again as the third down back for the Broncos' offense. While he might not be the elite receiving threat that Riddick is, Booker is still a hell of a player that seems to be coming into his own. 

This is also the last year of his rookie contract, so he needs to have a nice season as he essentially will be trying out for all 32 teams prior to hitting the open market in 2020.

It remains to be seen what the Broncos are going to do with Riddick at this time, but I would expect the team to move forward without him going into the season. It's not often that a team would carry an injured player on the roster for the first couple of regular season games, especially when they already have a solid option at that respective position.

Unless the Broncos plan on carrying five running backs and a fullback on the opening day roster, Riddick may be on the outside looking in to begin the 2019 regular season. And even then, his chances are slim with what Muhammad has shown thus far as not only a running back, but also in the return game on special teams. 

Follow Lance on Twitter @SandersonMHH.