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          NFL Nation

          Ronnie Hillman full pariticpant in Friday's practice

          • Jeff Legwold, ESPN Senior WriterOct 31, 2014, 02:25 PM ET
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              Jeff Legwold is a senior writer who covers the Denver Broncos and the NFL at ESPN. Jeff has covered the Broncos for more than 20 years, joining ESPN in 2013. He also assists with NFL draft coverage, including his annual top 100 prospects. Jeff has been a member of the Pro Football Hall of Fame Board of Selectors since 1999. He has attended every scouting combine since 1987.
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          ENGLEWOOD, Colo. – Denver Broncos running back Ronnie Hillman, who had been limited in Wednesday’s and Thursday’s practices because of a shoulder injury he suffered in Wednesday’s workout, participated fully in Friday’s practice.

          Hillman is formally listed as a probable for Sunday's game in Foxborough, Massachusetts, but he is expected to start against the New England Patriots and be available for his usual workload.

          Hillman has consistently maintained Wednesday's injury was “not a big deal," and that he would be ready to play against the Patriots. That is key because Montee Ball (right groin) was formally ruled out of the game.

          It will be the fourth game Ball has missed since suffering his injury Oct. 5 against the Arizona Cardinals. Ball worked with the Broncos’ strength and conditioning staff during practices this week, but did not participate in any of the team’s workouts.

          Guard Louis Vasquez, who was sent home Wednesday because of illness, practiced fully Friday and is expected to start against the Patriots. Tight end Virgil Green (calf) was limited in practice and is listed as questionable.

          If Green does not play, the Broncos would have two tight ends in uniform for Sunday’s game -- Julius Thomas and Jacob Tamme. Green is often used when the team wants to have a little more of a power look in the run game.

          Cornerback Kayvon Webster was excused from practice to attend to what head coach John Fox called “a family issue" and Fox said the plan was for Webster to meet the team Saturday. The Broncos were scheduled to head east Friday afternoon.