Denver Broncos: RB C.J. Anderson having surgery on torn meniscus

Oct 24, 2016; Denver, CO, USA; Denver Broncos running back C.J. Anderson (22) runs the ball against Houston Texans inside linebacker Brian Cushing (56) in the fourth quarter at Sports Authority Field at Mile High. The Broncos won 27-9. Mandatory Credit: Isaiah J. Downing-USA TODAY Sports
Oct 24, 2016; Denver, CO, USA; Denver Broncos running back C.J. Anderson (22) runs the ball against Houston Texans inside linebacker Brian Cushing (56) in the fourth quarter at Sports Authority Field at Mile High. The Broncos won 27-9. Mandatory Credit: Isaiah J. Downing-USA TODAY Sports /
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Denver Broncos running back C.J. Anderson is facing an extended absence as he will undergo surgery to repair a torn meniscus. He could be heading to IR…

After it was reported early on Thursday that C.J. Anderson was telling people close to him he would miss the season — and then refuted by Anderson — it seems his worst fears have been realized…

This is a big blow to the Broncos’ offense, which just saw the best game from Anderson perhaps all year. Anderson hasn’t been overly consistent this season, but he has had a number of big performances, including in the first two weeks of the season.

Thankfully, the Denver Broncos have rookie Devontae Booker waiting in the wings for a starting opportunity, which he will now be thrust into. The inexperienced backfield in Denver is going to get younger, but certainly not less talented. Booker has phenomenal ability to run the ball, and it’s now time for him to grow up fast.

This now presents the Broncos with an interesting situation of what to do long term with Anderson likely heading to injured reserve. Will they simply rely on Booker and backup Kapri Bibbs, promoting Juwan Thompson from the practice squad?

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Will they make a move for a veteran? Will they scour practice squads across the league and add someone like Karlos Williams?

Because of the nature of the injury, my guess is that the Broncos are going to look for a proven back that is capable of helping this team right away. They could solve a couple of issues here by signing veteran C.J. Spiller, who can also return kicks. They could go for a big upside move and sign Karlos Williams off of the Steelers’ practice squad.

They could try and make a trade with a team that is talent-rich at running back.

Whatever the case, the Broncos are undoubtedly going to make a move. In the meantime, we want to extend our best wishes to C.J. Anderson, who is one of the hardest-working Broncos, and a fan favorite.