ENGLEWOOD, Colo. -- Denver Broncos running back C.J. Anderson, who had been held out of practice since suffering a concussion in the preseason opener against the Seattle Seahawks, returned to practice Thursday.

Anderson took part in the fully padded practice, getting a smattering of snaps with the first-team offense.

“[He] went through the normal concussion protocol … he’s been cleared and we’ll ease him back into it,’’ said Broncos head coach John Fox. “We’ll see how he does with a little more action. He didn’t get a lot of reps last week because of the concussion.’’

The Broncos are still down a player at running back as Montee Ball works his way back from an appendectomy. Ball did not participate in Thursday’s practice but picked up the pace in his rehab drills, including some short sprints. Ronnie Hillman, Anderson and rookie Juwan Thompson all got at least some work with the starters during the practice.

Linebacker Danny Trevathan (lower left leg) did not participate and will be held out for several weeks as a fracture in tibia heals. Defensive end Chase Vaughn (right knee) and defensive end Greg Latta (right hip) were again held out of practice.