ENGLEWOOD, Colo. -- The Denver Broncos saw plenty of their Plan A at running back during the first seven weeks this past season.
But after that, they only saw C.J. Anderson when he was heading to the training room for some more rehab. Anderson underwent surgery to repair the meniscus in his right knee.
And over and over again since he suffered the injury in the Broncos’ 27-9 victory over the Houston Texans, Anderson has expressed his belief that he would return for the 2017 season better than ever. One of the biggest tasks on the to-do list for the Broncos' new head coach will be to repair one of the league’s least productive run games.
The Broncos were 27th in the league in rushing (92.8 yards per game), and Anderson had the team’s only 100-yard rushing game of the season.
This is the second of a position-by-position series about what kind of roster the Broncos’ new coach will see on his arrival.
Today: Running backs
Tuesday: Wide receivers
The Alpha: It is Anderson, by word and deed. He has shown a gritty side as he has gone from being an undrafted rookie, to becoming a starter and then to being named to the Pro Bowl. But he still hasn't gained over 849 yards in a season. Anderson has moved around plenty on the depth chart during his four-season career. This was supposed to be his breakout year thanks to a combination of opportunity, a run-friendly offense and the belief the Broncos’ defense would give the offense leads so it could grind out wins. It didn't play out that way so now Anderson points to next season.
Salary cap: Because of the Broncos' youth at the position -- Anderson turns 26 in February and has the most career carries of any back on the roster -- the majority of the cap space at the position is from Anderson’s $3 million cap figure in '17. Juwan Thompson is set to count $690,000 against the cap while Devontae Booker will be in the second year of his rookie deal at $635,848. Fullback Andy Janovich will be in the second year of his rookie deal as well ($581,077). The Broncos signed two backs to futures contracts and one of them -- Bernard Pierce -- has plenty of experience, but the 222-pounder has never recaptured the form from his rookie season in 2012 when he averaged 4.9 yards per carry with the Ravens.
Pending free agents: Kapri Bibbs, who finished the 2016 season on injured reserve, is the only player at the position who is not under contract for 2017. Bibbs is an exclusive rights free agent so if the Broncos tender him he cannot negotiate with other teams.
What will Elway do? He will certainly give the position a look in the draft. The Broncos took Booker and Janovich in the 2016 draft and Elway has taken a back in three of his previous six draft classes overall. It might depend on how the team believes Anderson is recovering from his surgery. He has started to run on a treadmill and has said he will be ready for camp. And the Broncos believe an offseason will enable Booker to lift his play. Free-agency cash is likely headed to other positions considering the Broncos' desire to remake the offensive line as well as add some depth to the defensive line.