Deuce's knee?

i wonder if coach has been taking it easy on the carries for duece so far this year, not to wear the knee down. i believe that payton is smart enough to know that he would be our best chance to win down the stretch.
If deuce would have gotten 20+ carries in each game this year there is no telling what shape his knee would be in.
If the knee is ok then we have an excellent RB that is fresh and ready to carry the load.