ENGLEWOOD, Colo. — –Montee Ball’s groin injury is expected to push Ronnie Hillman into the starting lineup for the Denver Broncos’ game with the New York Jets. It will be the first start of Hillman’s three-year career as a Broncos running back, a stint that has been defined by unrealized potential, mental lapses and untimely fumbles.

Now the 2012 third-round pick has his best chance yet to seize the primary back role.

“I mean, you kind of feel more responsible, I guess,” Hillman said. “You have a little more responsibility to go out there and actually perform right away, you know, not watching somebody else go out there. So that’s about the only thing that’s a little different.”

Hillman had a promising performance last week after replacing Ball, gaining 64 yards on 15 carries as the Broncos’ running game was roused from its slumber. He is the Broncos’ quickest back, and did well at sprinting toward the crease and getting upfield.

But consistency has been a problem for Hillman, and with his light frame, there are concerns over whether he can handle every-down blocking and between-the-tackles work.

“When you’re the starting back and you’re running out there in pregame warmups as a starting back, there’s a different hat that you wear,” said quarterback Peyton Manning. “So we’re counting on him in the run game, pass game, pass protection.

“There’s no question he has a burst that is pretty unique when he gets the ball in his hands and it’s our job to give him the space. At the same time, we’re counting on him to handle all parts of playing running back.”