CJ Anderson (4 Viewers)

[MAC_32]

Rotoworld:

The Denver Post says C.J. Anderson is a "serious threat" for the No. 2 running back job.The fight to be Montee Ball's backup is wide open. The Post suggests Ronnie Hillman has his nose in front, but it's worth noting that Anderson closed out last season ahead of Hillman on the depth chart. Eventually, we expect Anderson to emerge as the best bet for Ball owners in search of a handcuff.

Related: Ronnie Hillman

Source: Denver Post

i figured Anderson was already the cuff.

 

[lardonastick]

Rotoworld:

The Denver Post says C.J. Anderson is a "serious threat" for the No. 2 running back job.The fight to be Montee Ball's backup is wide open. The Post suggests Ronnie Hillman has his nose in front, but it's worth noting that Anderson closed out last season ahead of Hillman on the depth chart. Eventually, we expect Anderson to emerge as the best bet for Ball owners in search of a handcuff.

Related: Ronnie Hillman

Source: Denver Post

i figured Anderson was already the cuff.

This. Is Hillman even a lock to make the roster?

 

[ConnSKINS26]

Honestly I think Anderson has more to worry about from Bibbs than Hillman.

 

[Faust]

Rotoworld:

C.J. Anderson - RB - Broncos

C.J. Anderson is running with the second-team offense.

Ronnie Hillman is working with the ones as the change-of-pace complement to clear-cut feature back Montee Ball. We still prefer Anderson as Ball's handcuff. In the event of an injury, Anderson projects to get the touchdown opportunities and inside work while Hillman sticks in his speed-based outside role.

Related: Ronnie Hillman, Montee Ball

Source: ESPN.com

Aug 3 - 12:11 PM

 

[ROYALWITCHEESE]

Rotoworld:

C.J. Anderson - RB - Broncos

C.J. Anderson is running with the second-team offense.

Ronnie Hillman is working with the ones as the change-of-pace complement to clear-cut feature back Montee Ball. We still prefer Anderson as Ball's handcuff. In the event of an injury, Anderson projects to get the touchdown opportunities and inside work while Hillman sticks in his speed-based outside role.

Related: Ronnie Hillman, Montee Ball

Source: ESPN.com

Aug 3 - 12:11 PM

Hahaha. So he's still 3rd. Nice, rotoworld.

 

[Buffaloes]

Rotoworld:

C.J. Anderson - RB - Broncos

C.J. Anderson is running with the second-team offense.

Ronnie Hillman is working with the ones as the change-of-pace complement to clear-cut feature back Montee Ball. We still prefer Anderson as Ball's handcuff. In the event of an injury, Anderson projects to get the touchdown opportunities and inside work while Hillman sticks in his speed-based outside role.

Related: Ronnie Hillman, Montee Ball

Source: ESPN.com

Aug 3 - 12:11 PM

Hahaha. So he's still 3rd. Nice, rotoworld.

i am pretty sure anderson and hillman both worked with the 1s in the scrimmage yesterday. either way, anderson looked much better and more natural as a RB. anderson looked really good yesterday.

 

[ItsOnlytheRiver]

Anderson may be "third" but I bet if Ball went down he'd be the one stepping in. Hillman is slotted for a specific CoP role. This is how it played out when McGahee went down and Moreno jumped up the depth chart.

 

[monk]

Its the same thing it's been the last 3 years why do people try to over think everything

Hillman was the change of pace back and Moreno backed up Mcghee

Hillman was the change of pace back and Ball backed up Moreno

Hillman is the change of pace back and Anderson backs up Ball

 

[Buffaloes]

Its the same thing it's been the last 3 years why do people try to over think everything

Hillman was the change of pace back and Moreno backed up Mcghee

Hillman was the change of pace back and Ball backed up Moreno

Hillman is the change of pace back and Anderson backs up Ball

not really i sure i agree with this considering hillman was a healthy scratch for a good amount of last season including (iirc) the Super Bowl. the term 'COP back' gets used in here, but Denver doesn't really change pace all too often and they typically stick with the same RB for the duration of a drive (including 3rd downs and GL). When they used Hillman last year, they used him in the same situations as Ball and Moreno and I don't remember the play selection changing with any RB in there. At least that was the case last year.

Either way, I think Anderson has far more fantasy value than Hillman both in the short and long term.

 

[Bronco Billy]

Honestly I think Anderson has more to worry about from Bibbs than Hillman.

If Bibbs can't make a good showing on special teams, barring injury he is going to be cut or possibly assigned to the practice squad.Juwan Thompson is the youngster said to be garnering attention.

 

[Adam Harstad]

Its the same thing it's been the last 3 years why do people try to over think everything

Hillman was the change of pace back and Moreno backed up Mcghee

Hillman was the change of pace back and Ball backed up Moreno

Hillman is the change of pace back and Anderson backs up Ball

not really i sure i agree with this considering hillman was a healthy scratch for a good amount of last season including (iirc) the Super Bowl. the term 'COP back' gets used in here, but Denver doesn't really change pace all too often and they typically stick with the same RB for the duration of a drive (including 3rd downs and GL). When they used Hillman last year, they used him in the same situations as Ball and Moreno and I don't remember the play selection changing with any RB in there. At least that was the case last year.

Either way, I think Anderson has far more fantasy value than Hillman both in the short and long term.

John Elway on Ronnie Hillman in May '12: "To be able to have a weapon like Ronnie Hillman, he's a lot like a (Darren) Sproles. You can get great matchups ... (a) great change-of-pace back."

John Elway on Ronnie Hillman in April '13 (before the draft): "With where we are right now, McGahee is that big back for us right now. Hillman is (a) change of pace guy."

I was thinking there was another quote where Elway specifically called Hillman a CoP back last offseason, but I can't find it now. Either way, regardless of how they've been using him, it's pretty clear that Elway originally envisioned using him strictly as a change-up. I agree that I'd rather own Anderson as the Montee Ball handcuff, regardless of what the depth chart reads.

 

[Buffaloes]

Its the same thing it's been the last 3 years why do people try to over think everything

Hillman was the change of pace back and Moreno backed up Mcghee

Hillman was the change of pace back and Ball backed up Moreno

Hillman is the change of pace back and Anderson backs up Ball

not really i sure i agree with this considering hillman was a healthy scratch for a good amount of last season including (iirc) the Super Bowl. the term 'COP back' gets used in here, but Denver doesn't really change pace all too often and they typically stick with the same RB for the duration of a drive (including 3rd downs and GL). When they used Hillman last year, they used him in the same situations as Ball and Moreno and I don't remember the play selection changing with any RB in there. At least that was the case last year.

Either way, I think Anderson has far more fantasy value than Hillman both in the short and long term.

John Elway on Ronnie Hillman in May '12: "To be able to have a weapon like Ronnie Hillman, he's a lot like a (Darren) Sproles. You can get great matchups ... (a) great change-of-pace back."

John Elway on Ronnie Hillman in April '13 (before the draft): "With where we are right now, McGahee is that big back for us right now. Hillman is (a) change of pace guy."

I was thinking there was another quote where Elway specifically called Hillman a CoP back last offseason, but I can't find it now. Either way, regardless of how they've been using him, it's pretty clear that Elway originally envisioned using him strictly as a change-up. I agree that I'd rather own Anderson as the Montee Ball handcuff, regardless of what the depth chart reads.

yeah, I was aware of Elway's quotes. But I don't think Hillman has been used as a COP RB despite both those quotes. When he's been in the game, he's been used similarly to Moreno, McGahee and Ball the past 2 seasons. I don't think that changes this year. I think you are right that there was another quote where Elway referred to him as a cop back last offseason as well, but I am not sure that talk has translated into him actually being used as a cop RB. I just don't think he's been used that way. As an aside, Fox mentioned him being similar to Marshall Faulk after Denver drafted him as well.

Hillman is listed as the #2 RB on the first preseason depth chart, but unless Anderson falters in pass blocking I think that will change by week 1.

 

[FGITLOTR]

From Cecil:

CJ Anderson drawing "wows" from teammates with great inside/out move running with the 1st team at #BroncosCamp - big run to 3rd level

1:33pm - 4 Aug 14

Who was the guy that said he might not make the final roster? Lol This guy is very intriguing

 

[Adam Harstad]

From Cecil:

CJ Anderson drawing "wows" from teammates with great inside/out move running with the 1st team at #BroncosCamp - big run to 3rd level

1:33pm - 4 Aug 14

Who was the guy that said he might not make the final roster? Lol This guy is very intriguing

Jeff Legwold, ESPN's Denver blogger (and former beat guy for the Denver Post). Legwold has plenty of sources and is pretty good at passing along what they tell him, so my theory is that Legwold reported Anderson might not make the roster because team officials wanted C.J. Anderson to think that he might not make the final roster. Anderson was out of shape in minicamps, weighing around 235, and the coaches were pretty mad about it. Something sure lit a fire under him, because he dropped 20 pounds in about a month for training camp.

Whether coaches were seriously considering cutting Anderson, or whether they were just hinting at it to make Anderson work a little bit harder, I wouldn't put too much stock into the idea that Anderson doesn't stick on the final 53-man roster.

 

[Bojang0301]

From Cecil:

CJ Anderson drawing "wows" from teammates with great inside/out move running with the 1st team at #BroncosCamp - big run to 3rd level

1:33pm - 4 Aug 14

Who was the guy that said he might not make the final roster? Lol This guy is very intriguing

Jeff Legwold, ESPN's Denver blogger (and former beat guy for the Denver Post). Legwold has plenty of sources and is pretty good at passing along what they tell him, so my theory is that Legwold reported Anderson might not make the roster because team officials wanted C.J. Anderson to think that he might not make the final roster. Anderson was out of shape in minicamps, weighing around 235, and the coaches were pretty mad about it. Something sure lit a fire under him, because he dropped 20 pounds in about a month for training camp.

Whether coaches were seriously considering cutting Anderson, or whether they were just hinting at it to make Anderson work a little bit harder, I wouldn't put too much stock into the idea that Anderson doesn't stick on the final 53-man roster.

So a ploy to motivate a RB in Denver... I feel like this isn't uncharted territory.

 

[mrnick33]

Got a weird feeling this dude is going to be fairly valuable down stretch runs of fantasy playoffs....

 

[menobrown]

Montee Ball out with appendectomy

 

[Bojang0301]

Montee Ball out with appendectomy

Time to sell? Anderson has been an interesting hold but is this just a product of people loving the situation? The last player I remember getting an appendectomy was Chris Simms and he didn't come back until the next year. Anyone know any specifics for appendectomies or past RB's that have had it done?

 

[menobrown]

Montee Ball out with appendectomy

Time to sell? Anderson has been an interesting hold but is this just a product of people loving the situation? The last player I remember getting an appendectomy was Chris Simms and he didn't come back until the next year. Anyone know any specifics for appendectomies or past RB's that have had it done?

Shefter was one who tweeted it and he said Ball is expected back for opener.

 

[Dinsy Ejotuz]

Anderson was out of shape in minicamps, weighing around 235, and the coaches were pretty mad about it. Something sure lit a fire under him, because he dropped 20 pounds in about a month for training camp.

If this is true (and it sure seems it), I think it's a yellow flag. How does a 2nd year UDFA who has a chance to contribute to a Super Bowl contender and fight for serious playing time show up 10+ pounds overweight?

And dropping to 216 makes me nervous too. He's a power guy with some quicks but I'm not convinced he can survive without size and 216 is starting to drift out of "big back" range (though his height helps him pack a bigger punch).

Was on the bandwagon really early last year and still own him almost everywhere, but have pitched him for other prospects I like in a few leagues after hearing all that.

 

[Dinsy Ejotuz]

Montee Ball out with appendectomy

Time to sell? Anderson has been an interesting hold but is this just a product of people loving the situation? The last player I remember getting an appendectomy was Chris Simms and he didn't come back until the next year. Anyone know any specifics for appendectomies or past RB's that have had it done?

Simms had a splenectomy after having it ruptured by a defender. Not exactly the same thing. Anderson's going to get a lot of work now though.

 

[menobrown]

Montee Ball out with appendectomy

Time to sell? Anderson has been an interesting hold but is this just a product of people loving the situation? The last player I remember getting an appendectomy was Chris Simms and he didn't come back until the next year. Anyone know any specifics for appendectomies or past RB's that have had it done?

Shefter was one who tweeted it and he said Ball is expected back for opener.

Mike Klis also chiming in saying Ball expected back for opener. Don't know of RB's with appendectomies but Roethilsberger had and was not out that long, just can't remember the exact timeframe but it was not long.

 

[Bojang0301]

Montee Ball out with appendectomy

Time to sell? Anderson has been an interesting hold but is this just a product of people loving the situation? The last player I remember getting an appendectomy was Chris Simms and he didn't come back until the next year. Anyone know any specifics for appendectomies or past RB's that have had it done?

Simms had a splenectomy after having it ruptured by a defender. Not exactly the same thing. Anderson's going to get a lot of work now though.

Thanks, I thought it was his appendix.

 

[Bojang0301]

Anderson was out of shape in minicamps, weighing around 235, and the coaches were pretty mad about it. Something sure lit a fire under him, because he dropped 20 pounds in about a month for training camp.

If this is true (and it sure seems it), I think it's a yellow flag. How does a 2nd year UDFA who has a chance to contribute to a Super Bowl contender and fight for serious playing time show up 10+ pounds overweight?

And dropping to 216 makes me nervous too. He's a power guy with some quicks but I'm not convinced he can survive without size and 216 is starting to drift out of "big back" range (though his height helps him pack a bigger punch).

Was on the bandwagon really early last year and still own him almost everywhere, but have pitched him for other prospects I like in a few leagues after hearing all that.

I recall his weight loss happening prior to the mini-camps... I highly doubt it happened in one month. That isn't healthy and I'm not sure he would have even survived till now at training camp.

 

[socrates]

Montee Ball out with appendectomy

Time to sell? Anderson has been an interesting hold but is this just a product of people loving the situation? The last player I remember getting an appendectomy was Chris Simms and he didn't come back until the next year. Anyone know any specifics for appendectomies or past RB's that have had it done?

Simms had a splenectomy after having it ruptured by a defender. Not exactly the same thing. Anderson's going to get a lot of work now though.

Matt Cassell started a late regular season game at QB for the Chiefs 11 days after having an appendectomy a few years back, so I'm not sure this is too much of an issue.

http://www2.ljworld.com/news/2010/dec/20/cassel-plays-sparks-chiefs-past-rams/

 

[Bojang0301]

Adam Levitre G for the Titans was only off the practice field for 10 days after an appendectomy so it sounds like pretty much a non issue. That being said, it should give time to Hillman and Anderson to maybe do some sorting out.

 

[JohnnyU]

Montee Ball out with appendectomy

Time to sell? Anderson has been an interesting hold but is this just a product of people loving the situation? The last player I remember getting an appendectomy was Chris Simms and he didn't come back until the next year. Anyone know any specifics for appendectomies or past RB's that have had it done?

Shefter was one who tweeted it and he said Ball is expected back for opener.

This is a minor thingy.

 

[JohnnyU]

Montee Ball out with appendectomy

Time to sell? Anderson has been an interesting hold but is this just a product of people loving the situation? The last player I remember getting an appendectomy was Chris Simms and he didn't come back until the next year. Anyone know any specifics for appendectomies or past RB's that have had it done?

Shefter was one who tweeted it and he said Ball is expected back for opener.

This is a minor thingy.

That's what she said

 

[CentralPA]

Anderson was out of shape in minicamps, weighing around 235, and the coaches were pretty mad about it. Something sure lit a fire under him, because he dropped 20 pounds in about a month for training camp.

If this is true (and it sure seems it), I think it's a yellow flag. How does a 2nd year UDFA who has a chance to contribute to a Super Bowl contender and fight for serious playing time show up 10+ pounds overweight?

And dropping to 216 makes me nervous too. He's a power guy with some quicks but I'm not convinced he can survive without size and 216 is starting to drift out of "big back" range (though his height helps him pack a bigger punch).

Was on the bandwagon really early last year and still own him almost everywhere, but have pitched him for other prospects I like in a few leagues after hearing all that.

I recall his weight loss happening prior to the mini-camps... I highly doubt it happened in one month. That isn't healthy and I'm not sure he would have even survived till now at training camp.

Plus from all accounts the guy has been looking awesome in camp. Sounds like he is plenty good shape.

 

[FGITLOTR]

If he plays really well in pre-season action, I don't see why he can't see some meaningful time come the reg season. I'm buying all day in dynasty and he's worth a late flyer in redraft

 

[jmo87usc]

Montee Ball out with appendectomy

Time to sell? Anderson has been an interesting hold but is this just a product of people loving the situation? The last player I remember getting an appendectomy was Chris Simms and he didn't come back until the next year. Anyone know any specifics for appendectomies or past RB's that have had it done?

Simms had a splenectomy after having it ruptured by a defender. Not exactly the same thing. Anderson's going to get a lot of work now though.

Matt Cassell started a late regular season game at QB for the Chiefs 11 days after having an appendectomy a few years back, so I'm not sure this is too much of an issue.

http://www2.ljworld.com/news/2010/dec/20/cassel-plays-sparks-chiefs-past-rams/

And Simms ruptured his spleen. Not the same thing at all.

ETA: nevermind. somehow I completely missed wdcrob's post. my bad

 

[matttyl]

This guy vs. James White (RB NE) as the last roster spot in a dynasty league?

 

[Shutout]

The news with Ball should be good for helping sort the pecking order out as the rest of the guys should now get some more meaningful time.

 

[FGITLOTR]

This guy vs. James White (RB NE) as the last roster spot in a dynasty league?

I'm going Anderson all day. Anderson is an injury away from getting major carries (Hillman would be the 3rd down back) in arguably the best offense in the league. I like White , but he's got two other capable guys vying for carries

 

[ROYALWITCHEESE]

Hilman took majority of first team reps with Ball out:

"Denver Broncos running back Montee Ball will undergo an appendectomy Monday. He is expected to be ready for the regular-season opener against the Indianapolis Colts, a source told ESPN NFL Insider Adam Schefter.

Ronnie Hillman took most of the reps with the starters in place of Ball at Monday's practice. C.J. Anderson also took some reps. Ball had two carries for eight yards in Saturday's scrimmage.

Ball took to Twitter to thank his followers for their get-well wishes.

I appreciate the get well wishes everyone! I will be ok and come back stronger than ever!! #Broncos

- Montee Ball (@ballrb28) August 4, 2014

Ball is shifting into the starting role this season after the team let Knowshon Moreno leave in free agency to sign with the Miami Dolphins.

Moreno topped 1,000 yards rushing and also had 60 receptions last season. Ball, after some early fumble troubles -- he lost three fumbles in the team's first 10 games -- settled in nicely as a rookie after being selected in the second round of last April's draft.

He didn't lose the ball the remainder of the season and finished with 559 yards rushing and four touchdowns. His 4.7 yards per carry was tops among the team's top three backs."

 

[Bojang0301]

This guy vs. James White (RB NE) as the last roster spot in a dynasty league?

I'd take White... I've shopped CJ with little interest at giving anything of value. White I think would fetch something nice, especially if he gets any first team reps in preseason games. I wouldn't walk into the season expecting anything from either of them and would consider moving them for an upgrade somewhere. That's how I'm operating at least.

 

[JFS171]

We've seen this movie before with Hillman... I'm honestly shocked people are still going down that path. Hillman feels exactly like all the Dexter McCluster hype year after year, only he's not a slot WR/RB combo.

I've never been a Ball guy... just feels very average to me, which is honestly all Denver needs with that offense. But what if, just what if, CJ could be something more? What if he gets a chance to flash with the first team and puts up more of those wow plays? I'm not saying he casts Ball aside, but I'm curiously watching.

Like others have said, I've been on the CJ train a long time... certainly no point getting off now.

 

[ISUDESTROYERS]

This guy vs. James White (RB NE) as the last roster spot in a dynasty league?

I'd take White... I've shopped CJ with little interest at giving anything of value. White I think would fetch something nice, especially if he gets any first team reps in preseason games. I wouldn't walk into the season expecting anything from either of them and would consider moving them for an upgrade somewhere. That's how I'm operating at least.

I've got C.J. and White in both of my leagues and planning on getting them [along with Khiry Robinson] tonight again.

 

[monk]

Anderson was out of shape in minicamps, weighing around 235, and the coaches were pretty mad about it. Something sure lit a fire under him, because he dropped 20 pounds in about a month for training camp.

If this is true (and it sure seems it), I think it's a yellow flag. How does a 2nd year UDFA who has a chance to contribute to a Super Bowl contender and fight for serious playing time show up 10+ pounds overweight?

And dropping to 216 makes me nervous too. He's a power guy with some quicks but I'm not convinced he can survive without size and 216 is starting to drift out of "big back" range (though his height helps him pack a bigger punch).

Was on the bandwagon really early last year and still own him almost everywhere, but have pitched him for other prospects I like in a few leagues after hearing all that.

Wow !!! Over reaction of the year!

Now 216 lb RBs are too small?!?!?

 

[monk]

Montee Ball out with appendectomy

Time to sell? Anderson has been an interesting hold but is this just a product of people loving the situation? The last player I remember getting an appendectomy was Chris Simms and he didn't come back until the next year. Anyone know any specifics for appendectomies or past RB's that have had it done?

Shefter was one who tweeted it and he said Ball is expected back for opener.

Mike Klis also chiming in saying Ball expected back for opener. Don't know of RB's with appendectomies but Roethilsberger had and was not out that long, just can't remember the exact timeframe but it was not long.

No i'm pretty sure Roethilsberger's was a lobotomy and he was back same day.

 

[monk]

Adam Levitre G for the Titans was only off the practice field for 10 days after an appendectomy so it sounds like pretty much a non issue. That being said, it should give time to Hillman and Anderson to maybe do some sorting out.

Ummm ... Thats already been sorted out

 

[monk]

This guy vs. James White (RB NE) as the last roster spot in a dynasty league?

White has 2 or 3 guys ahead of him or splitting time with him.

 

[Bojang0301]

Adam Levitre G for the Titans was only off the practice field for 10 days after an appendectomy so it sounds like pretty much a non issue. That being said, it should give time to Hillman and Anderson to maybe do some sorting out.

Ummm ... Thats already been sorted out

Hillman has been running with the no.2's but that has happened in the past. He has fallen in and out of the coaching staff's favor before, as has Anderson. Right now, I agree, Hillman #2, Anderson #3. That doesn't mean it will end up that way when the season starts. Also the Elway quotes on Hillman seem to make me think the staff is in agreeance on him being a COP back.

 

[Adam Harstad]

Anderson was out of shape in minicamps, weighing around 235, and the coaches were pretty mad about it. Something sure lit a fire under him, because he dropped 20 pounds in about a month for training camp.

If this is true (and it sure seems it), I think it's a yellow flag. How does a 2nd year UDFA who has a chance to contribute to a Super Bowl contender and fight for serious playing time show up 10+ pounds overweight?

And dropping to 216 makes me nervous too. He's a power guy with some quicks but I'm not convinced he can survive without size and 216 is starting to drift out of "big back" range (though his height helps him pack a bigger punch).

Was on the bandwagon really early last year and still own him almost everywhere, but have pitched him for other prospects I like in a few leagues after hearing all that.

I recall his weight loss happening prior to the mini-camps... I highly doubt it happened in one month. That isn't healthy and I'm not sure he would have even survived till now at training camp.

Reports are that he was out of shape at minicamps, which started June 10th. If it was OTAs that he showed up to overweight, that would have been May 28th, instead. Either way, you're looking at 1.5-2 months tops between Anderson's weigh-in and the beginning of training camps. I was also quite surprised by just how much weight he's reportedly lost in such a short period of time. This might come as a shock to some, but I'm not actually an elite athlete; still, that seems pretty extreme to a normal like me.

 

[Adam Harstad]

Anderson was out of shape in minicamps, weighing around 235, and the coaches were pretty mad about it. Something sure lit a fire under him, because he dropped 20 pounds in about a month for training camp.

If this is true (and it sure seems it), I think it's a yellow flag. How does a 2nd year UDFA who has a chance to contribute to a Super Bowl contender and fight for serious playing time show up 10+ pounds overweight?

And dropping to 216 makes me nervous too. He's a power guy with some quicks but I'm not convinced he can survive without size and 216 is starting to drift out of "big back" range (though his height helps him pack a bigger punch).

Was on the bandwagon really early last year and still own him almost everywhere, but have pitched him for other prospects I like in a few leagues after hearing all that.

Wow !!! Over reaction of the year!

Now 216 lb RBs are too small?!?!?

wdcrob wasn't saying that 216 was too small for an NFL RB, he was saying it was too small for C.J. Anderson. Some backs do have the quickness, agility, and top speed to dominate the league at a smaller size- guys like Chris Johnson, Jamaal Charles, Ray Rice, etc. C.J. Anderson isn't that type of back, though- he's a power back. He has a different set of tools, and historically backs with a toolkit similar to Anderson's have typically packed a bit more bulk than that onto their frames. He's a hammer, and it's fair to question how effective he'll be if he doesn't have any heft. Imagine if Jerome Bettis showed up to camp one year at 220 pounds. I'd certainly be wondering whether or not it would cost him some of his effectiveness, even though 220 for most backs is plenty big enough.

With that said, I'm not ready to go out on a limb and say that 216 is too light for Anderson. Reports are he's still showing all his power, and even T.J. Ward has had trouble bringing him down. I'll reserve judgment for the moment.

 

[monk]

Anderson was out of shape in minicamps, weighing around 235, and the coaches were pretty mad about it. Something sure lit a fire under him, because he dropped 20 pounds in about a month for training camp.

If this is true (and it sure seems it), I think it's a yellow flag. How does a 2nd year UDFA who has a chance to contribute to a Super Bowl contender and fight for serious playing time show up 10+ pounds overweight?

And dropping to 216 makes me nervous too. He's a power guy with some quicks but I'm not convinced he can survive without size and 216 is starting to drift out of "big back" range (though his height helps him pack a bigger punch).

Was on the bandwagon really early last year and still own him almost everywhere, but have pitched him for other prospects I like in a few leagues after hearing all that.

I recall his weight loss happening prior to the mini-camps... I highly doubt it happened in one month. That isn't healthy and I'm not sure he would have even survived till now at training camp.

Reports are that he was out of shape at minicamps, which started June 10th. If it was OTAs that he showed up to overweight, that would have been May 28th, instead. Either way, you're looking at 1.5-2 months tops between Anderson's weigh-in and the beginning of training camps. I was also quite surprised by just how much weight he's reportedly lost in such a short period of time. This might come as a shock to some, but I'm not actually an elite athlete; still, that seems pretty extreme to a normal like me.

19lbs in 2 months is far from crazy ...

 

[Dr. Octopus]

Montee Ball out with appendectomy

Time to sell? Anderson has been an interesting hold but is this just a product of people loving the situation? The last player I remember getting an appendectomy was Chris Simms and he didn't come back until the next year. Anyone know any specifics for appendectomies or past RB's that have had it done?

I think it was a spleenectomy for a lacerated spleen. I'd imagine that makes a big difference.

ETA: Already addressed it seems.

 

[JFS171]

I'm sorry, but this guy still looks tiny to me... and that's after having all offseason to "bulk up." We've seen Hillman admit before that he has a really, really hard time maintaining weight during the season. I believe during the postseason run his rookie year there were references to him being ~180lbs. I cannot possibly see him being the handcuff to Ball.

http://www.denverpost.com/portlet/article/html/imageDisplay.jsp?contentItemRelationshipId=6144456

 

[Football Jones]

I actually think this is pretty simple. Hillman is the CoP, but if Ball went down, I believe Anderson would be their starter with Hillman staying as the CoP back. He's just too damn small/weak to be a feature back, IMO.

Anderson as backup & Hillman as CoP makes sense. It's more about roles than a strict #2 or #3 RB. As far as upside, I like Anderson. If Ball falters or gets injured, Anderson could surprise as the starter/feature back.

 

[ISUDESTROYERS]

For what it is worth...C.J. Anderson had concussion like symptoms tonight. Did decent with the little work he had tonight.

http://www.rotoworld.com/player/nfl/8694/cj-anderson