The Minnesota Vikings are set to take the field for their first preseason game on Thursday against the Buffalo Bills, but they will have to do so without the services of one of the newest additions to their backfield.
Despite being activated from the PUP list on Monday, running back Latavius Murray won’t be participating in the Minnesota Vikings first competitive action of the year. As first reported by the Pioneer Press’ Chris Tomasson, Murray is still recovering from surgery on his right ankle back in March and although he has practiced this week, he isn’t quite ready for game action.
The decision to sit Murray won’t come as a shock following his comments earlier in the week.
"“It wouldn’t make any sense to try and rush into going out there, especially if I’ve only been doing individuals the past few days,” Murray said. “I’m just trusting the process right now and making sure I’m getting better.”"
Even if Murray didn’t expect to be involved against Buffalo, he may be getting concerned with his eventual position on the Vikings’ depth chart.
In Murray’s absence Dalvin Cook looks to continue to receive the majority of first team reps against Buffalo, as he has done throughout training camp. The second-round draft pick has impressed observers in Mankato so far, with several highly respected football figures believing he is the heir apparent to Adrian Peterson.
He's only been on the roster for three months, but the Vikings sense they have something special in Dalvin Cook.https://t.co/OIIbMnBAaz pic.twitter.com/9wsQKoNHki
— The MMQB (@theMMQB) August 1, 2017
You might want to keep your 👀 on Dalvin Cook. He might be the hybrid RB that changes the game for the @Vikings https://t.co/FVT21arrAr
— Bucky Brooks (@BuckyBrooks) August 1, 2017
Thursday’s preseason opener presents Cook with the perfect opportunity to put significant breathing space between him and Murray in the battle to be named as the Vikings’ number one running back. The former Raider expects to be back at 100 percent by Week 1 but he when asked if he would play in the second week of the preseason against Seattle, Murray seemed uncertain stating it wasn’t up to him.
For his sake let’s hope Murray returns to full health as soon as possible. If his recovery is delayed, Cook may have the starting job locked up before Murray receives his first competitive carry.
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In addition to Murray, Minnesota looks set to be without at least two other significant contributors when they face Buffalo. Riley Reiff, the Vikings’ expensive free-agent acquisition at left tackle, is expected to be rested after only participating in individual drills this week following a back injury on the first day of camp. Wide receiver Laquon Treadwell, who was injured running routes and not fighting, is also expected not to play due to a strained leg muscle.