C.J. Anderson Out With a Torn Meniscus: What it Means

C.J. Anderson Out With a Torn Meniscus:

What it Means

The Denver Broncos running back C.J. Anderson has a torn meniscus and is to have it operated on. Let me make one thing perfectly clear, I never like to see anyone hurt, even a member of our closest rival. Also, my own sports career ended because of knee problems so I am sympathetic no matter who it is. However, his return date from surgery may have an effect on the games the Kansas City Chiefs play against the Broncos so let’s take a look at how C.J. Anderson’s torn meniscus will change those games.

My understanding is that most of the time when a player has a torn meniscus they will not have it operated on. Only when a meniscus is torn so badly that rest, ice and medication will not help, surgery is required. In the event that no surgery is chosen then the recovery and return time is from 4 to 6 weeks. In the event that surgery is a must, as in C.J. Anderson’s case, the recovery time is 4 to 6 weeks but the rehabilitation can not be circumvented or the repairs will be for naught. From an article by Josh Hill called, “Torn Meniscus Recovery Time,”

“Surgery is almost never required to repair a torn meniscus. The process involves rest, ice and physical therapy. That’s bad news if your a football player though. Tearing anything in your knee is bad and missing 4-6 weeks means you miss almost half a season. That’s if you follow the guidelines for recovery though, which most players try to skirt around.”

Here’s a graphic from Mayo Clinic showing what a tear in a meniscus looks like:

A torn meniscus is not going to grow back. It’s only going to stop hurting and the swelling will go away with time.

What this means for C.J. Anderson

Four weeks from Sunday the Kansas City Chiefs travel to Denver to play the first of their two games this season and it is highly unlikely that C.J. Anderson will be able to participate in that game. Anderson has been the Broncos best back this season with 437 yards on 110 carries for a 3.9 yards per carry average. Rookie Devontae Booker will now become the featured back and he’s carried the ball for 244 yards on 51 carries for a 4.8 yards per carry average. Some think Booker is ascending so I don’t think Denver will miss Anderson that much… but they are known for shuttling their RBs in and with Booker taking the brunt of the load, C.J. may be missed.

What do you think Chiefs fans? Do you think the absence of C.J. Anderson from the Broncos lineup could have an affect upon the outcome of the Chiefs first game with them?