NFL report: Broncos running back C.J. Anderson points to playoff return

Denver Broncos running back C.J. Anderson is pointing to a possible return during the AFC playoffs after having the meniscus in his right knee repaired.

The Broncos are expected to place their leading running back on injured reserve, which would put him out of action a minimum of eight weeks.

Although the Broncos hadn’t made the transaction by Friday afternoon, Anderson tweeted, “Was an amazing fun year all I can do is rest up get back for the playoffs and if not get back and grind 4 next season”

Anderson had surgery in California on Thursday to repair a torn meniscus in his right knee 72 hours after getting hurt during his best performance of the season.

“He’s going to miss some significant time,” Coach Gary Kubiak said after Friday’s practice. Kubiak planned to meet with General Manager John Elway and head athletic trainer Steve Antonopulos to come up with a timetable for Anderson’s return and a plan for his absence.

McCown to start at QB for Browns

Josh McCown will start at quarterback for the Cleveland Browns against the New York Jets on Sunday.

The 14-year pro has been sidelined since Sept. 18, when he broke his left collarbone in a home game against Baltimore. McCown began the season as the backup to Robert Griffin III before both injured their non-throwing shoulders.

McCown was medically cleared to play earlier in the week, and Coach Hue Jackson formally chose him as the Sunday starter following the team’s morning walk-through.

The winless Browns have used six quarterbacks in their first seven games, including starters Griffin, McCown and rookie Cody Kessler.

Third-round pick Kessler suffered a concussion last week at Tennessee and remains in the NFL’s head trauma protocol. He had been Cleveland’s starter since Week 3.

Etc.

The Seattle Seahawks will be without standout defensive end Michael Bennett for Sunday’s game at New Orleans and possibly longer. Seattle Coach Pete Carroll said that Bennett is dealing with a cartilage issue in his right knee and the end result could be surgery.

::

The Buffalo Bills look to be short-handed on offense in a pivotal divisional matchup against the New England Patriots. Bills running back LeSean McCoy (hamstring) is doubtful and not expected to play. Wide receiver Robert Woods (foot) is questionable, and receiver Marquise Goodwin (concussion) is out.

::

Redskins running back Matt Jones said he will not play in Washington’s game against the Cincinnati Bengals at Wembley Stadium in London on Sunday because of a knee injury. Jones said he has “a bruise and some cartilage damage” after getting hurt in the second quarter of the Redskins’ 20-17 road loss to the Detroit Lions last Sunday.

::

New Orleans Saints linebacker Dannell Ellerbe has been listed as questionable for Sunday’s game against Seattle, leaving open the possibility that he’ll play for the first time since injuring his quadriceps during preseason.

::

Falcons running back Tevin Coleman has been ruled out for Sunday’s game against the Packers because of a hamstring injury.

::

Packers receiver Randall Cobb and linebacker Clay Matthews are listed as questionable because of hamstring injuries for Green Bay’s game Sunday at Atlanta.

::

Kansas City Chiefs running back Jamaal Charles has been ruled out for Sunday’s game in Indianapolis after he experienced swelling in his surgically repaired right knee this week.

::

Houston Texans running back Lamar Miller expects to play Sunday against the Detroit Lions despite a shoulder injury.