Thoughts on the Denver Broncos options in light of the CJ Anderson knee injury

Some early thoughts and speculation regarding the Denver #Broncos possible course of action in light of the CJ Anderson knee injury:

First of all as of this morning, CJ had his procedure last night and is optimistic about his recovery. No timetable has officially been set as to when he can return. The #Broncos brass are meeting in Dove Valley as we speak to determine his status for the rest of the season and their consequent move(s) accordingly.

The overall secrecy regarding an otherwise common meniscus injury in the #NFL, makes me uneasy about the prospect of having CJ back at all the rest of the season. Best case scenario he comes back in 4 weeks. Worst case he's done this season, period. Or he's put on IR and returns in 8 weeks. All of those scenarios are still possible until Gary Kubiak updates everyone about their decision. However, for the sake of this post, let's assume CJ is done long term this season.

I think for this week, they should do nothing. Go into the Chargers game with Booker and Bibbs, keep Juwan Thompson in the practice squad. Re-evaluate the situation come Monday morning.

Come Monday, there are tough decisions to make. Do you bring up Thompson and call it a day? Do you sign a free agent RB like C.J. Spiller? Do you trade for a veteran RB like Forsett or Morris? Any of these options would be on the table. But with the NFL trade deadline looming at 2pm on Tuesday, the stakes are higher in this decision, because once that deadline passes you cannot trade for another player the rest of the season.

It is because of the deadline that I propose perhaps a totally different direction the #Broncos should take. The more I think about it, specially if Booker shows well this Sunday in his ability to carry the load, the more I am convinced the #Broncos should not promote Thompson nor should they sign another RB at all. They should use the roster spot instead on one of 3 potential need positions: 1) Defensive End, 2) Middle LineBacker(currently starter Shaq Barrett is dealing with a hamstring injury) or 3) An offensive lineman.

Any of those 3 spots are a potential need for the final stretch of this season and could impact the team's ability to compete for another Championship. And all 3 positions can only be best upgraded via trade.  Trades are a rarity in the NFL but John Elway has proven he is not afraid to take chances to make the team better.

Some intriguing, somewhat plausible trade possibilities I would be high on are: 49ers Left Tackle Joe Staley, Jets Defensive End Sheldon Richardson, former Bronco and now Charger OL Orlando Franklin, Cowboys RB Darren Mcfadden, Eagles DE Connor Barwin, Lions OL Laken Tomlinson, Packers RT Bryan Bulaga, Panthers RB Jonathan Stewart and Saints MLB Stephone Anthony. One of these players in the O-line, D-line or LB positions, even if CJ Anderson returns in 4 weeks, would be a great addition to this team for a Playoff push regardless. I'd be willing to cut an often inactive player on Sundays, for example TE Jeff Heuerman, to make room on the 53 man roster.

Whatever happens, it's lots of fun for fans to speculate about the possibilities of a roster move. Let the speculation begin! Let's Go #Broncos

By Michael Salavati