Broncos Cut Former Raiders Running Back Justin Fargas

Confident that their top two running backs are nearing their return from injury and impressed by the play of Lance Ball, the Denver Broncos on Monday released running back Justin Fargas, ending his three-week stay with the team.

Also released was rookie free agent cornerback Tony Carter.

Fargas, a former Raider whose seven years with the Silver & Black included a 1,000-yard season in 2007, joined the Broncos as a free agent on Aug. 11, when the team sought depth for an injury-depleted corps of running backs. The Raiders waived him in March after he failed a physical exam due to a knee injury, for which he later underwent an arthroscopic procedure.

The Broncos have been without starting tailback Knowshon Moreno (hamstring) and his top backup, Correll Buckhalter (neck/back stinger) for the past month since both were injured on the first day of training camp.

But Buckhalter resumed practicing last week and could possibly see at least limited action in Thursday night's preseason finale against Minnesota. Moreno also is getting closer, though the Broncos may be targeting his return for the Sept. 12 regular season opener at Jacksonville to give the hamstring more time to heal.

The Broncos also were encouraged by the performance of Lance Ball, who ran for 75 yards on 10 carries in Sunday night's 34-17 exhibition win over Pittsburgh.

Fargas couldn't work his way into contention. He had one carry for four yards against the Steelers and 10 for 17 yards overall in the preseason.

In addition, LenDale White made his Broncos debut Sunday night, and though he averaged only 2.8 yards on 10 carries, he did bull his way into the end zone from the 2-yard line to finish off Denver's first scoring drive. The Broncos had to like that because they struggled in short-yardage situations last season.

Though White must serve a four-game suspension at the start of the season for violating the league's substance abuse policy, he provides some veteran insurance should injuries befall the Broncos' running back corps down the road.