The Denver Broncos have waived running back Montee Ball less than 24 hours after he made the team's final 53-man roster.

The 2013 second-round pick made the cut on Saturday, but a disappointing pre-season saw Ball's place as the Broncos' fourth tailback become expendable.

Broncos vice president John Elway told reporters that Ball was 'in the top 53 in our mind' when explaining why the 24-year-old had initially made the roster, before he was moved on along with Gino Gradkowski to make space for two players Denver claimed off waivers.

Ball managed 731 yards in two seasons with Denver, scoring five touchdowns, but was limited to just five appearances last season due to injury.