Broncos RB C.J. Anderson Healthy, Returns to Practice With New Helmet
Aug 7, 2014; Denver, CO, USA; Denver Broncos running back C.J. Anderson (22) runs the ball during the first half against the Seattle Seahawks at Sports Authority Field at Mile High. Mandatory Credit: Chris Humphreys-USA TODAY Sports
Denver Broncos running back C.J. Anderson was forced to leave the team’s first preseason game against the Seahawks with a concussion, but returned to practice on Thursday.
And with a new look.
Anderson is now sporting a new helmet, one that has been tested and rated better for preventing future concussions.
"“I mean, I’ve been off as far as conditioning. Headache and all that, all that’s done. I’ve got a new helmet. It’s brand new, so I’m trying to break it in. Kind of tight at times, but I feel fine and you don’t miss a beat.”"
He was back to taking snaps with the first team along with Ronnie Hillman and Juwan Thompson while Montee Ball recovers from his appendectomy.
There has been no official word from the Broncos, but Anderson appears on track to possibly play in the Broncos’ next preseason game against the 49ers.
He’ll take all the reps he can get at this point.
In Anderson’s ‘absence’, rookie running back Juwan Thompson shined, leading the team with 59 rushing yards. Anderson took the spotlight in last year’s preseason, showing burst, balance, toughness, and quickness in his running. He played sparingly in the season but was good enough in the preseason to have earned a roster spot while injured.
The Broncos’ sample size on Anderson is small, but they’ve seen enough from him in practice to know that he is capable of making this team and so he’ll continue to get a shot at the backup job despite some emergence from Thompson.
Anderson must have been hearing from some doubters who don’t think he’s going to make the team, because he posted this on his Twitter page Thursday:
For the record, we’re not those people. Unless two rookie backs give the Broncos literally no choice, last year’s undrafted free agent darling is safe.