NFL Player News

Anderson -- who is dealing with a right meniscus injury -- will undergo an arthroscopic procedure Thursday to address the issue, the Denver Post reports.

While Anderson landing on IR remains a possibility, at this time there is not yet a concrete timetable for his recovery. Added clarity on that front is slated to arrive after the procedure has been completed. "It's my understanding we should know something tonight, after they get through with what's going on," coach Gary Kubiak noted Thursday. In Anderson's indefinite (and possibly lengthy) absence, Devontae Booker is in line to step in as the Broncos' lead back.

Washington (ankle) was again a full practice participant Thursday.

While Washington turned in a full session Wednesday, fellow running back Theo Riddick (ankle) was limited to begin Week 8 prep. However, Riddick matched Washington's activity level Thursday, putting them on similar footing heading into Sunday's game in Houston. If Riddick takes on his normal 12-to-17 touches per game, Washington could be scrounging for scraps against the Texans' eighth ranked defense.

Gillislee (foot) remained limited at practice Thursday.

More on Gillislee's status Friday, but back-to-back limited practice sessions suggest that he has a solid chance of suiting up Sunday against the Patriots. That gives him a leg up, at least for now, on fellow RB LeSean McCoy (hamstring), who has yet to practice this week.

Anderson is slated to undergo surgery Thursday to repair what Mike Klis of 9news.com describes as "a significant meniscus tear in his right knee."

With Anderson's recovery from the procedure thought to be in the eight-to-12 week range, the Broncos are expected to place the running back on IR. In such a scenario, there might be a degree of hope that Anderson could possibly return for the postseason, should the Broncos qualify, but moving forward, Devontae Booker is slated to head the Denver backfield, with Kapri Bibbs currently in line to serve as his top backup.

McKinnon was wearing a walking boot on his left foot Thursday, Andrew Krammer of the Minneapolis Star Tribune reports.

The Vikings pulled McKinnon from Sunday's game in Philadelphia due to an ankle injury, but in the aftermath of the loss, head coach Mike Zimmer told Ben Goessling of ESPN.com that the running back "should be fine." While using a walking boot would seem to be at odds with such a comment, McKinnon will be afforded an extra day of recovery with a Monday night clash at Chicago on tap. A hindered (or worse) McKinnon would be most beneficial to Matt Asiata.

Nicki Jhabvala of the Denver Post relays that Anderson is undergoing more tests on his right knee, with "nothing finalized." That said, per the report, there appears to be a "strong possibility that the running back "misses extended time."

Meanwhile, ESPN.com suggests that the running back's MRI on Wednesday revealed that he did not tear his ACL, while NFL Network's Ian Rapoport indicates that Anderson is expected to be done for the year. Either way, look for something official to arrive via the Broncos later Thursday. If Anderson does indeed miss extended time, Devontae Booker is next in line for carries in the Denver backfield.

Anderson has managed to avoid a torn ACL, ESPN's Adam Schefter reports.

Anderson went for a second opinion on his injured knee Wednesday evening, and it sounds like the team plans on officially updating his status later in the day Thursday. The running back is currently facing a multi-week absence due to what was initially reported as a bone bruise, but with the knowledge in hand that this likely isn't a season-ending ailment, the Broncos can soon begin laying out a timetable for return. Until then, Devontae Booker remains in line to take over as the lead back.

Washington (ankle) practiced fully Wednesday.

After focusing on rehabilitation rather than practice the past three weeks, Washington turned in an uninhibited session to begin preparation for Sunday's game at Houston. The same cannot be said for Theo Riddick (ankle), who was a limited participant Wednesday. As the week proceeds, the duo's activity level could determine which running back earns more snaps Sunday, but Washington may be a step ahead at the moment.

Grimes (ankle) returned to a limited practice Wednesday.

It remains to be seen if Grimes is a candidate to play Sunday against the Lions, but his return to practice signifies that a return is in sight for the Texans' reserve back.

Anderson spent Wednesday getting a second opinion on a knee injury that he sustained Monday night against the Texans.

Coach Gary Kubiak acknowledged that Anderson was "really sore" Tuesday, but so far the Broncos haven't confirmed reports that Anderson is expected to miss a few weeks with a bone bruise. Look for added clarity from the team on that front Thursday, though Anderson owners should look for a replacement plan in the meantime, ideally rookie Devontae Booker, who appears destined to start Sunday's game against the Chargers (at a minimum) in Anderson's place.