The long road to recovery continues for newly-acquired running back Latavius Murray.
After expecting to return to health in time for training camp following his March ankle surgery, Murray is still awaiting the thumbs-up to return to game action. He’s begun easing his way back into practice drills, but the former Raiders ball carrier has not yet been medically cleared for full contact.
“I just think we have a plan right now with the trainers, and I’m just following that,” said Murray. “We want to be smart about how I”m progressing and getting back to real football.”
Head coach Mike Zimmer told reporters Tuesday morning that he expects Murray to be full-go soon, and Murray echoed that sentiment by saying he doesn’t plan on missing the entire preseason.
Murray was signed as a free agent prior to the draft in which the Vikings selected Dalvin Cook in the second round. In Murray’s absence, however, Cook has received the first-team reps throughout training camp.
Both players are trying to learn a new offense and prove themselves to a new set of teammates at the same time.
“I’ve only been on the team for a few months,” Murray said. “I’ve got to earn their trust and get back on the field so they can see what I’m about. That’s the most frustrating thing for me. I want to earn their trust and play alongside them.”
Murray, who didn’t make the trip to team’s first preseason game in Buffalo, has only been able to prove himself in the meeting room so far. He increased his participation level in Sunday’s practice, though, and believes he’ll start improving quickly in his grasp of the offense once he is able to take consistent reps.
“I think when you get those live reps it’s obviously where you really learn,” said Murray. “The faster I’m able to come out here and practice and hopefully get into the preseason, when the real season comes around I’ll be right on schedule.”
As far as adjusting to a new scheme, Zimmer says Murray’s biggest adjustment will be learning the tendencies of the Vikings’ new-look offensive line.
“Getting to know the guys a little bit more,” said Zimmer. “You know, how they block up front, and when you’re chipping a defensive end, where exactly the guy’s gonna be — those kinds of scenarios probably more so than anything.”
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