For the first time since joining the Minnesota Vikings this offseason, the veteran running back took the field for Monday’s practice.
Just three days prior to the team’s first preseason game against the Buffalo Bills, the Minnesota Vikings have activated Latavius Murray from the Physically Unable to Perform list.
.@LataviusM has been activated from the Physically Unable to Perform List and will practice today.
— Minnesota Vikings (@Vikings) August 7, 2017
📰: https://t.co/uKSv8kmwls pic.twitter.com/HcUBLCz3pA
When Minnesota signed Murray to a three-year, $15 million deal this offseason, the team knew that the running back would require ankle surgery prior to the season. Originally, however, the team anticipated that he would be “available for training camp”, according to the official statement they released back in March.
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With just two practices left before the Vikings travel to Buffalo, Murray’s recovery has taken slightly longer than anticipated. Rookie Dalvin Cook and fourth-year pro Jerick McKinnon have split first-team reps in Murray’s absence, leaving the recently acquired free-agent with a lot of work to do in order to catch up.
Murray will have to rapidly familiarize himself with the new offense, but he figures to be a major part of the team’s plan for this year. At 6-foot-3, 230 pounds and coming off of a 12 touchdown season, he is an intriguing option to complement the other backs on the roster.
For now, Cook appears to have the inside track for the starting job, but there is plenty of time left for Murray to earn significant playing time. It would not come as a shock if Minnesota actually ended up starting the more experienced Murray over Cook for at least the first few games of the upcoming season.
Next: Vikings release first 2017 depth chart
It’s unlikely that Murray will play in the preseason opener against the Bills on such short notice, but his return to practice is a promising step forward.