Image courtesy of Vikings.com
According to the team website, Minnesota Vikings running back Latavius Murray was activated from the Physically Unable to Perform List Monday. He practiced with the team but did not take part in contact drills.
It was the first time Murray officially practiced as a Viking. The team acquired the back knowing he needed offseason ankle surgery. He was placed on the PUP list when the team reported to training camp.
Despite feeling “some soreness,” Murray said he felt good after practice. “I just need to get used to getting back to football form, football shape and be ready to go.”
[quote_center]”I was excited to get back on the field.”[/quote_center]
The team signed the former Oakland Raiders back as a free agent during the 2017 offseason. He signed a three-year, $15 million contract with Minnesota. Last season, the 27 year-old rushed for 788 yards with 12 touchdowns. In 2015, he had a career-high 1,066 yards and made his first Pro Bowl appearance.
Murray was selected by Oakland in the sixth round of the 2013 NFL Draft, but missed his rookie season after breaking his ankle; the same one he had surgery on in March. Murray had a 4.2 yards per carry average between 2014-2016 with Oakland. He also had 91 catches for 639 yards (7.0 yards/catch).
After missing all of OTAs and most of training camp, Murray’s absence allowed rookie Dalvin Cook to claim the number one role atop the team’s first official depth chart at running back. Murray is still determined to prove he can perform at a high level.
With running backs Cook and Jerick McKinnon on the roster, the Vikings plan to use Murray in short yardage and goal line situations. He also excels in pass blocking and carrying out of the shotgun formation.
Chris Tomasson of the Pioneer Press reported Murray will not travel to Buffalo for the team’s first preseason game against the Bills, but he plans to be ready for the September 11th season opener against Adrian Peterson and the New Orleans Saints. Assuming all goes to plan, it will be Murray’s first regular season game in US Bank Stadium.
Murray is listed at 6’3,” 230 pounds and wears #25 for the Vikings.