Broncos' C.J. Anderson likely headed to IR

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ENGLEWOOD, Colo. – After a morning of conflicting reports about C.J. Anderson and his health, BSN Denver has been able to confirm that the Denver Broncos starting running back will likely be heading to injured reserve, as he will undergo surgery on a torn meniscus in his knee.

Anderson, who was coming off his best game of the season (16-carries, 107 yards, one touchdown) had begun to hit his stride along with the rest of the Broncos offense. In the first seven games of the season, the former undrafted back—who signed a four-year $18 million deal in the offseason—had rushed for 437 yards on 110 carries.

The unfortunate news for the Broncos means rookie Devontae Booker, who is also coming off his best outing of the season (17 carries, 83 yards, one touchdown), will be forced to grow up even faster. Booker, who has averaged 4.8 yards per carry on 51 attempts this season, was the Broncos second-rated back on the board coming into the draft this season.

(Full breakdown of Booker’s breakout against the Texans)

If Anderson does, in fact, go to IR, he will be eligible to return to the team in eight weeks as new NFL rules suggest you do not have to designate a player to return from IR.

The news means the Broncos will feature a backfield of three first-year starters (two rookies) in Booker, Andy Janovich and Trevor Siemian.

(Broncos young backfield blooming just in time)