Broncos reportedly place C.J. Anderson on IR, postseason return possible

The Broncos running back won't be able to return for at least eight weeks

The situation surrounding C.J. Anderson's knee injury is gaining some clarity in terms of a timetable for his eventual return.

According to NFL Network's Ian Rapoport, the Broncos placed their running back on injured reserve Friday. And that means Anderson won't be eligible to return for at least eight weeks.

The #Broncos have placed RB CJ Anderson on Injured Reserve, source said.

— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) October 28, 2016

With the #Broncos placing RB CJ Anderson on Injured Reserve, the earliest we see him is 8 weeks. I'm told his rehab is measured in months.

— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) October 28, 2016

Anderson suffered the injury against the Texans on Monday night, though he played through the injury and finished out the game. Afterwards, conflicting reports emerged about the diagnosis and severity of his injury. Even Broncos coach Gary Kubiak acknowledged Friday that it's unclear when/if Anderson will return.

Anderson did say, however, that his operation was a "super success" and that he's targeting a return during the playoffs.

Surgery was a super success been resting all day. FaceTime all my teammates got some good laughs #blessed love them boys

— Cj Anderson (@cjandersonb22) October 28, 2016

Was an amazing fun year all I can do is rest up get back for the playoffs and if not get back and grind 4 next season

— Cj Anderson (@cjandersonb22) October 28, 2016

Without Anderson, the Broncos will lean on rookie Devontae Booker. So far this season, Booker's carried the ball 51 times for 244 yards. He's actually averaging more yards per carry (4.8 compared to 4.0) than Anderson and was beginning to snatch away carries in recent weeks.

Now Booker will get his chance to become the team's feature back.