Juwan Thompson

Broncos RB C.J. Anderson emerged just in time. RB Montee Ball is returning from injury just in time.

The Broncos will be without Ronnie Hillman for at least two weeks after the starting running back suffered a midfoot sprain in his left foot Sunday, according to an NFL source. Broncos coach John Fox confirmed the injury, but only said Hillman was day-to-day.

Hillman seemed to suffer the injury as he was attempting to catch a pass early in the Broncos’ 41-17 win against the Oakland Raiders. He limped off the field and had his foot ankle taped then returned to the game.

With Hillman ailing, Anderson had a breakout game, rushing for 90 yards and turning a short reception into an electrifying 51-yard touchdown. Ball has missed the past five games because of a groin injury but is expected to return this week to play against the St. Louis Rams.

Anderson could be in for a big workload this week assuming the team wants to ease Ball back into things against the Rams, which, on paper, the Broncos should be able to afford to do. Juwan Thompson and Kapri Bibbs are next up on the depth chart but one has to think Anderson and Ball get a majority of the work, with Anderson being the better play, at least in Week 11.