The quarterback battle won't be the only thing to watch this summer.

Speaking Friday, Broncos head coach Vance Joseph said the team will have an open competition for starting running back duties.

"Every spot on the football team is going to be up for competition," Joseph stated, via Troy Renck of Denver7. "The running back position, you need two or three guys who could carry the load. It's no longer a one-guy position. I'm excited to have Jamaal, C.J., Book, even De'Angelo in the mix there. It's a good group. It's going to be competitive, and that's the way it should be."

A muddled Broncos backfield was further complicated during, and after, the NFL Draft, when Kapri Bibbs was traded, De'Angelo Henderson drafted and Jamaal Charles signed. On top of C.J. Anderson and second-year man Devontae Booker, there are many mouths to feed and not a lot of roster spots to go around.

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The Broncos are expected to hold out Charles, he of the four knee operations, until training camp, at the earliest. Anderson, recovered from meniscus surgery, has been a full participant in the offseason program.

But the chances of Denver carrying five RBs (including fullback Andy Janovich) on the 53-man roster are slim. Meaning you'll likely have four players competing for three spots, which is not encouraging for Henderson, a sixth-round pick and possible practice squad candidate.

Based on the way they structured his one-year, non-guaranteed, $1 million contract, Charles can be released with no financial burden. If the 30-year-old suffers a setback or shows there's nothing left in the tank, he'd be chopped at final cuts, leaving the starting job to Anderson.

However, if Charles reverts to his past self, or at least adds a spark to the offense, then Anderson could find himself on thin ice.

Right now, there are more questions than answers, not unlike the QB position. But this much is certain: It's going to be an intense few months in Dove Valley.

For more Broncos news, follow Zack Kelberman on Twitter: @Kelberman247