Denver Broncos: Is now the time to give Karlos Williams a shot?

The Denver Broncos have a dilemma on their hands with big money running back C.J. Anderson possibly out for an extended period. Could Karlos Williams help?

The Denver Broncos have an interesting situation happening at the running back position with some surprising news that C.J. Anderson would be seeking a second opinion on a knee injury.

Broncos RB C.J. Anderson expected!out at least a few weeks with a knee injury, source says. Second opinion today to see if it'll be longer.
— Mike Garafolo (@MikeGarafolo) October 26, 2016

This injury comes just after the Broncos had arguably their best game running the football all season, led by Anderson’s fantastic performance. It hasn’t been a consistent string of dominance, but Anderson has been enjoying probably the best first half of a season in his NFL career, in which he’s been known to be a great second half player.

This presents the Broncos with an opportunity to either try and upgrade at the position, promote from within, or (best case) get news back that Anderson won’t be out long and the players they have currently can take care of business as needed.

Devontae Booker is the leader in the clubhouse to start, obviously, and Kapri Bibbs will be his primary backup. But what after that? If Anderson can’t go this week, the Broncos could have Andy Janovich — a rookie fullback — ready to go as an emergency backup. They could also choose to promote running back/fullback Juwan Thompson from the practice squad.

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There are some interesting options outside of the current clubhouse to provide some help in the depth department at running back for the Broncos, including recently released third-down back C.J. Spiller and former Buffalo Bills running back Karlos Williams.

Williams had a phenomenal rookie season with the Bills, and was cut this season after his weight ballooned in the offseason when he became a father. He signed on to the Pittsburgh Steelers practice squad on October 12th, and has obviously spent the last two weeks there.

There’s virtually no downside to signing Williams, who is just 23 years old. He showed excellent skill as a rookie, and practice squad rules allow the Broncos to be able to ‘poach’ him from Pittsburgh if Williams would want to sign in Denver.

The possibility of missing C.J. Anderson for some time would allow the Broncos to get some needed depth in the form of a talented young player who would excel in the Broncos’ zone blocking looks, and could provide an impact midway through the season.

This is a move that makes sense both for the Broncos and for Williams.

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