C.J. Anderson’s best rushing performance of the 2016 season came at a price.
Anderson rushed for a season-high 107 yards with a touchdown on 16 carries Monday night in the Denver Broncos’ 27-9 win over the Houston Texans. The Broncos running back suffered a right knee injury in the victory, though, and he missed Wednesday’s practice to get a second medical opinion, sources told Mike Klis of KUSA in Denver.
This doesn’t mean Anderson definitely will miss this Sunday’s game against the San Diego Chargers, but it certainly creates some uncertainty regarding his status. According to Klis, it’s possible Anderson could miss an extended period, though the hope is that his injury is minor.
Anderson suffered the injury on the final play of the first quarter Monday. He returned and looked unfazed as the Broncos’ offense received a much-needed boost from its rushing attack, which also featured a heavy dose of Devontae Booker, who totaled career highs in carries (17) and rushing yards (83) in addition to reaching the end zone for the first time in seven career games.
Booker, a fourth-round pick in the 2016 NFL Draft, likely will start Sunday’s Week 8 game against the Chargers if Anderson misses the contest. Booker already has begun to garner more playing time, so perhaps the Broncos could weather the storm. But Denver’s offense certainly looks more dynamic with two healthy running backs carrying the load, especially since it minimizes the pressure placed on young quarterback Trevor Siemian.
Anderson leads the Broncos this season with 110 carries for 437 yards with four rushing touchdowns. The 25-year-old also has 128 receiving yards on 16 catches with one receiving TD.
UPDATE (4:25 p.m. ET): While the extent of C.J. Anderson’s knee injury still is unknown, it sounds like the Broncos’ starting running back will miss some time.
Anderson also tweeted the following Wednesday afternoon:
Thumbnail photo via Ron Chenoy/USA TODAY Sports Images
