The Denver Broncos cut ties with veteran running back Travis Henry on Monday, leaving the backfield duties in the hands of second-year running back Selvin Young.  It's hard fall for Henry, who was taken in the first round of some fantasy drafts last year.

Henry has limited by injuries in recent years and the Broncos' have had enough off his off-the-field baggage. He was supposed to start practicing Monday, but never got the chance. Shanahan said he did not meet with Henry when he gave him his release. Instead, he had a front-office executive notify one of Henry's agents of the move.

"The release speaks volumes," head coach Mike Shanahan said. "You've got the little things, and if you don't do the little things, obviously you can't count on somebody."  

Denver has always been a goldmine for fantasy running backs and after the first four weeks of the season last year, Henry was the NFL's leading rusher. Whichever back emerges is going to be a worthwhile fantasy starter. If it is indeed Young and he performs well over the summer, he could show up as top 12 running back on the board.

The Travis Henry of yesteryear would have been hard to replace, but the Broncos have a number of backs who could probably come up with the 691 yards Henry had last season. Broncos reporter Mike Klis of the Denver Post breaks it down:

1. Selvin Young
6-feet, 210 pounds
Key 2007 stat: 5.2 yds per carry.
Comment: Ideal for 12 carries per game but wants to prove he's a 20-carry back.

2. Michael Pittman
6-0, 228
Key 2007 stat: 90 yds. in win at Carolina.
Comment: A power, complementary back the past three seasons with Tampa Bay.

3. Ryan Torain
6-1, 213
Key 2007 stat: 553 yards in six games as Arizona State senior.
Comment: Fifth-round pick runs with power, quickness.

4. Andre Hall
5-10, 212
Key 2007 stat: 167 yards rushing/receiving at Chicago.
Comment: If a running back is injured this season, it can't be him.