ENGLEWOOD, Colo. - The starting job at running back isnt the only thing Montee Ball lost during his month on the sideline recovering from a torn right groin.The Denver Broncos second-year pro said he eliminated sweets and cut down on carbs and fried foods during his rehab because at 224 pounds, he wasnt hitting the holes fast enough.So, he dropped a dozen pounds and now tips the scales at right around the weight he was at Wisconsin and two pounds lighter than he was at the NFL combine in 2013.Today I felt great out there, Ball said Wednesday following his first practice since he was hurt Oct. 5. I felt a lot more elusive. I felt a lot more agile. And this is where I should have been at the beginning of the year.Ball said he realizes Ronnie Hillman deserves to remain the starter — for now — after leapfrogging him during his absence because the running game has been a lot better since hes been in there.He did a great job of taking that job from me, Ball said. He should start now because he did a great job. But Im going to most definitely be working for that spot again.Hillman, whos quicker and more decisive at the line of scrimmage, has rushed 363 yards and three TDs while averaging 4.3 yards a carry also catching 17 passes for 121 yards and a score in Balls absence, giving Denver a legitimate ground game to go with Peyton Mannings passing prowess.When he got hurt, Ball was averaging 3.1 yards a carry, a significant drop-off from the 4.7 he averaged as a rookie.During his time off — which followed several missed practices in August after undergoing an emergency appendectomy, Ball said he watched film and realized he was pitter-pattering too much at the line of scrimmage.It wasnt entirely his fault: Behind a reconfigured offensive line thats had its share of troubles, Broncos backs have seen at least three carries go for no gain or negative yardage in seven of their eight games so far.Defenders have consistently found the gaps between centre Manny Ramirez and guards Orlando Franklin, whos still adjusting to his switch from tackle, and Louis Vasquez, who isnt playing at his Pro Bowl level of a year ago because of nagging back and ribs injuries.Ball took it on himself, however, to do what he could during his time off to get better prepared for a stretch run like he had last year.It was kind of my plan, so I could move better, hit the holes faster, he said. I was 224 when the injury happened. Im 212 now and I most definitely love it. This is where I was at in college, and I feel a lot more comfortable at this weight.Ball played at 220 pounds last year.So, this is the lightest Ive ever been in the NFL and Im loving it, Ball said. I havent been hitting the holes fast. Ive been doing too much second-guessing.Ball said he felt fine after Wednesdays workout and ice tub soak. He said he no longer is in any pain and hopes to return Sunday when the Broncos (6-2) visit the Oakland Raiders (0-8).Ball got hurt when he accidentally did the splits while chipping a defender before going out on his route in a game against Arizona. But he said his right groin was actually sore since the start of the season.I wasnt telling anybody about it. I was just trying to work through it on my own, Ball said.Tearing the groin, Ball said, was a blessing in disguise because Im learning how to be a pro and learning better ways to take care of my body.___AP NFL website: www.pro32.ap.org and www.twitter.com/AP_NFL___Follow AP Pro Football Writer Arnie Melendrez Stapleton on Twitter: http://twitter.com/arniestapletonNFL China Jerseys . -- Jacksonvilles offensive makeover is just getting starting. Stitched China Jerseys . Tyrell appeared in seven games with the Lightning this year, he had no points in those appearances. The 24-year-old has seven goals and 17 assists in 132 career NHL games, all coming with the Lightning. He was selected in the second round, 47th overall, of the 2007 draft. https://www.chinajerseysreview.com/ . Jim Leyland, in his eighth playoffs, has never had a starting rotation he trusts as much as the grouping of Max Scherzer, Justin Verlander, Anibal Sanchez and Doug Fister. China Jerseys Outlet . They say things like "stress is when you dont know what youre doing" and "I wasnt hired to motivate players, I was hired to coach motivated players." They ring as true now as they did when Mularkey heard them the first time playing tight end for the Pittsburgh Steelers Hall of Fame coach 25 years ago. Cheap China Jerseys . A rainy day saw the former champion Djokovic handle 14th-seeded Frenchman Jo- Wilfried Tsonga 6-3, 6-4, 7-6 (7-5) under the roof on the famed Centre Court.OTTAWA -- There was no denying Jason Spezzas relief Friday night. The Ottawa Senators captain was instrumental to his team scoring four unanswered goals to beat the Boston Bruins 4-2. With the victory, the Senators put an end to the Bruins 11-game winning streak in Ottawa. Its been so long since the Senators beat the Bruins at home that only Spezza, Chris Neil and Chris Phillips remain on the roster from their last victory. The win was that much more rewarding considering the Senators were coming off a 5-0 loss to the Philadelphia Flyers Tuesday night. "We feel like thats a gritty win for us getting down a couple goals against a team we hold to a high standard," said Spezza. "Its a big emotional win for us for sure." Jared Cowen, who has had his share of struggles this season, scored the winning goal. "Its a good step for him, not just from scoring, but I thought he had a real solid game against a real difficult team and difficult opponents," said Senators coach Paul MacLean. "I thought both he and Eric Gryba were very competitive and very physical in the match-ups that they had against difficult opponents." Spezza, Bobby Ryan and Neil also scored for the Senators (8-7-4). Craig Anderson was solid stopping 30 shots. Loui Eriksson and Brad Marchand scored for the Bruins (12-6-1), as Rask faced 31 shots. After a rough start, things turned around for the Senators with a solid third period effort that was spearheaded by its captain. Spezza tied the game 2-2 early in the third, scoring from the side of the net off a pass from Karlsson at the point. It was Spezzas first goal in five games. "Its been a few games for me and it was an important game," said Spezza. "We were using this game as a bit of a measuring stick and it was a big goal." Rask said he felt the Bruins started off strong but had a few lapses throughout. "Its one of those days when youre not on top of your game you dont even know hes there and I didnt know (Spezza) was there," Rask said. "I stretched myself there, but I couldnt get my pad on it and its a goal." The goal seemed to energize the Senators and the 19,538 on hand. Anderson then made a great save on Carl Soderberg. Soderberg had a second chance and kept shoving at the puck until it crossed the line, but upon review it was clear the whistle had blown. "It was a good rebound game for everybody," saidd Anderson.dddddddddddd "Weve got something we can build off of now." The Senators took their first lead of the game at 5:42 on Cowens third of the season as he beat Rask through the legs. Ryans goal at the halfway mark of the period sealed the victory as he picked Reilly Smiths pocket and then beat Rask through the legs to give Ottawa a 4-2 lead. The only downside of the period was seeing Ryan leave the game with just over three minutes remaining after taking an elbow to the head by Dennis Seidenberg. There was no penalty on the play. MacLean said he was given no explanation by the officials and, in his opinion, believes the play is worthy of being reviewed. "All the ones that you see around the league in the first 20 games, it certainly seems that one could be reviewed as well," the Senators coach said. Ryan will be re-evaluated Saturday as MacLean had no further updates on the wingers status following the game. Seidenberg felt for Ryan and said there was no intent to injure him. "The puck is loose, Im going for the puck and Im turning into the puck and I think hes reaching," said Seidenberg. "I would never go after a guys head and I hope hes fine so thats all I can say." The second period left much to be desired, as neither team seemed overly interested in taking control of the game. Ottawa had a terrible start to the period, giving up two goals and being outshot 13-6. Eriksson opened the scoring at the six-minute mark as he tipped Matt Bartkowskis shot. Just over three minutes later the Bruins made it 2-0 as Marchand made his way between Zack Smith and Colin Greening and beat Anderson with a great wrist shot. The Senators salvaged the period in the final minute as Neil scored his third of the season and beat Rask to the top left corner to make it 2-1. "Any time you score late in the period, its a big momentum swing for you if you can take advantage of it," said MacLean. "I felt we were getting stronger and better as the game went along." The Senators wrap-up their five-game homestand Sunday afternoon against the Columbus Blue Jackets. Notes: Defencemen Patrick Wiercioch and Joe Corvo were healthy scratches for the Senators. Right-winger Erik Condra missed his sixth straight game with a leg injury a The Bruins were without defenceman Adam McQuaid who has a lower body injury and right-winger Jordan Caron was a healthy scratch. ' ' '