ENGLEWOOD, Colo. - Between Peyton Manning and Willis McGahee, the Broncos have a quarter century of experience in their starting backfield. Rookie running back Ronnie Hillman, the league's youngest player, is barely old enough to buy his teammates a drink.

Hillman, who will be 21 years, 1 month, 21 days old when Denver plays at Cincinnati on Sunday, is soaking up knowledge from the veterans on a daily basis. As the lessons sink in, it's not surprising that Hillman is seeing his role with the Broncos expand, as well.

 Last week against the Saints, Hillman had his biggest day. Spelling the man who has become his mentor, McGahee, the Broncos rookie was on the field for 27 plays, carried the ball on 14 of them and gained 86 yards.