C.J. Anderson expected to get ‘full workload’ for Broncos in Week 15

Denver Broncos running back C.J. Anderson is expected to be active and ready for a “full workload” in the team’s Week 15 game against the Pittsburgh Steelers, according to Ian Rapoport of NFL Network. Anderson will be back in the starting lineup, with Ronnie Hillman serving as his backup.

Anderson suffered an ankle injury in a Week 13 win over the San Diego Chargers. While he was also listed as questionable in Week 14, he sat out against the Oakland Raiders but is expected to return to action on Sunday. Hillman is dealing with a foot injury of his own and was listed as probable, but will also likely play for the Broncos.

Anderson has been a disappointment this year after breaking out in the second half of 2014, but he was starting to come around before his injury. Anderson had his best game of the year in Week 12 against the New England Patriots, rushing for 113 yards and two touchdowns, including the game-winner in overtime. On the season, he has 538 yards and three touchdowns on 124 carries, averaging 4.3 yards per carry.

Anderson and Hillman have been mostly splitting time in the backfield, with Hillman getting 169 carries for 663 yards and six touchdowns on 3.9 yards per carry. With Anderson out of the lineup against the Oakland Raiders, Hillman managed just 20 yards on 12 carries as the Broncos offense was unable to score a single touchdown.

Neither player has really emerged as an obvious lead back, but together they’ve been a decent tandem, helping to hide Peyton Manning’s decline and Brock Osweiler’s inexperience under center.