Broncos running back C.J. Anderson expected to miss time with knee injury

CENTENNIAL, Colo. -- Just as the Broncos run game shifted into high gear, a tire sprung a leak.

Starter C.J. Anderson will not practice Thursday, leaving his status for Sunday against San Diego and possibly much longer, in question. Anderson told Denver7, he was undergoing a second day of tests Thursday in California to determine the nature of his right knee injury. 

Anderson disputed a report he suffered a bone bruise, but understands he miss some time. Knee injuries always prompt concern with running backs.

On the final play of Monday's first quarter, Anderson bolted through the right side of the Broncos' line. He gained 11 yards and remained on the turf, rubbing his right knee after it locked up on a sharp plant and cut (see picture above).

Anderson, who leads the Broncos with 437 yards on the ground, returned after the trainers tended to him. He finished with a team-best 107 yards rushing. In the locker room after the game, Anderson exhibited no outward signs of an injury with a limp or a wrap. If Anderson is sidelined short or longterm, it will lead to a heavy dose of rookie Devontae Booker and, additional  reps for former Colorado State star Kapri Bibbs. Booker received the first carry of Monday's game, splitting the workload with Anderson.

"I think C.J. has been playing well. We gave him some more room to run," coach Gary Kubiak said. "They are pushing each other. Book is getting more comfortable."

Booker rushed for a career-best 83 yards on 17 carries. He provides power and intriguing quickness.

"I will be ready for the opportunity," Booker said. 

#Broncos Kubiak said they are getting second opinion on Anderson's knee. Said came in sore on Tues. Was team's offensive MVP @DenverChannel

— Troy Renck (@TroyRenck) October 26, 2016

Inside linebacker Brandon Marshall jogged during the open viewing period Wednesday. He injured his left hamstring in the fourth quarter of Monday's win. He told Denver7 on Wednesday that "it was too early to tell" if he would be ready Sunday. Marshall continues to gain traction, playing well against the Texans.

"I think I could play (without practice)," Marshall said. "Say my hamstring is ready by Saturday. I have watched all the film and I've seen all the looks. And we just played them two weeks ago. That's a good thing. That will help me out."

Corey Nelson projects to receive more snaps if Marshall is limited. 

Other absences of note, center Matt Paradis (hip) did not practice. Paradis is ranked as the NFL's top-graded center according to Pro Football Focus. Backup James Ferentz also did not practice. Cornerback Aqib Talib (lower back) and Sylvester Williams (ankle) sat out. 

Good news arrived with DeMarcus Ware. The outside linebacker fractured his right forearm on Sept. 18, and had a plate inserted. He practiced Monday for the first time since the injury and hopes to play Sunday, though he might require one more week of healing.

"It's a process, getting the arm acclimated back to punching guys, doing pass-rush moves," said Ware, admitting his arm doesn't feel 100 percent healed. "I don't know if I will play this week. I don't know if I will play next week. But if it progresses like it should I will be out there."

The time off has served Ware well. His back feels strong, and he weighs 250 pounds. Von Miller said Ware looked good in limited practice Wednesday.

"He was doing his moves," Miller said. "You know DeMarcus. If he can play, he will." 

#Broncos Kubiak said DeMarcus Ware "has a shot" to play this week. Said new TE Derby could play quickly. Brings versatility in passing game

— Troy Renck (@TroyRenck) October 26, 2016

Want Broncos news? Denver7 Broncos insider Troy E. Renck is your source. He talks to the players, covers the games and reports scoops on Denver7 and the Denver7 app. He is a CU grad who has covered pro sports in Colorado since 1996, including 14 years at The Denver Post. Follow him on Facebook, Twitter and TheDenverChannel.com’s Broncos page. Troy welcomes most of your emails at Troy.Renck@kmgh.com.