Englewood, Colo. ? Denver rookie running back Ryan Torain is expected to miss about three months after breaking a bone in his left elbow.

Broncos coach Mike Shanahan announced Thursday that Torain would need surgery. Asked if the injury was a blow to the organization, he did not respond.

Andre Hall, one of the Broncos’ three remaining healthy running backs, said the loss of Torain “messes things up.”

“Ryan had the big body, and the team had a short-yardage package in for him,” he said. “The rest of us are going to have to step it up.”

Besides Hall, the Broncos have Selvin Young and Anthony Aldridge at running back.

Torain, a fifth-round draft pick out of Arizona State, was flipped while rushing during 9-on-7 drills Wednesday.

He was hit by linebackers Jordan Beck and Spencer Larsen and safety Roderick Rogers, and he put out his left arm to brace his fall.