NASHVILLE -- Predators goalie Pekka Rinne, out since last month with a hip injury, had an MRI earlier in the week and hasnt had any setbacks. Devin Hester Youth Jersey . Rinne had surgery on his left hip May 9 and recovered in time to start the season. He then had arthroscopic surgery on Oct. 24 because of a bacterial infection in his hip. The team said he will remain on crutches and antibiotics for at least the next couple of weeks before another MRI later this month. In a statement Sunday, the Predators say they "expect a full and complete recovery." Rinne is 4-4-1 with a 2.31 goals-against average and a .917 save percentage for Nashville this season. Mike Ditka Womens Jersey . - Chelseas 1-0 win at the Etihad, spoiling Manchester Citys perfect home record continues to be the talking point of the week. Dan Hampton Bears Jersey . -- Two-time AL Cy Young Award winner Johan Santana agreed Tuesday to a minor league contract with the Baltimore Orioles as he tries to come back from the second major operation on his left shoulder. http://www.bearsfootballpro.com/Authentic_David_Montgomery_Bears_Jersey/ .com) - Oklahoma quarterback Trevor Knight was carted off the field in the fourth quarter of 16th-ranked Sooners 48-14 loss to No.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. Anthony Miller Jersey. 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/arniestapleton ' ' '