Latavius Murray was supposed to be the new No. 1 running back to replace Adrian Peterson. But with Dalvin Cook falling to the Vikings in the draft and Murray’s surgically repaired ankle taking longer than expected to rehab, Cook took the job and ran with it – and he wasn’t about to give the job back until he suffered a non-contact knee injury in Sunday’s loss to the Lions.
Reports suggest Cook suffered a complete tear of the ACL in his left knee, likely ending his season and giving Murray a chance to prove he was worthy of the three-year, $15 million deal the Vikings gave him.
“Unfortunately things happen, so it’s not about whether I’m ready or what type of rhythm I have, I need to be ready when my number is called,” Murray said after the Vikings’ 14-7 loss to the Lions, according to 1500 ESPN.
Murray has just 14 carries for 38 yards this season. After getting three or fewer carries each of the first three weeks, Murray stepped in Sunday and ran the ball seven times for a measly 21 yards.
“I’ve been ready the whole time,” Murray told Tom Pelissero. “I’ve prepared each game, so for me the preparation will stay the same, just continue to do what I’ve been doing.
Spoke with #Vikings RB Latavius Murray about Dalvin Cook's injury and what he must do to step up in Cook's absence. @nflnetwork pic.twitter.com/P2dj6NyiWB
— Tom Pelissero (@TomPelissero) October 1, 2017
Murray isn’t a game-changer like Cook, but he went to the Pro Bowl in 2015 and averaged a solid 4.2 yards per carry in three seasons with the Raiders. He also racked up 20 touchdowns and 91 receptions in 45 games with Oakland.
Meanwhile, there are already media outlets trolling football fans with the idea of the Vikings trading with the Saints to bring back Adrian Peterson.
If Dalvin Cook's injury is serious, should the Vikings trade for . . . . I just can't do it.
— ProFootballTalk (@ProFootballTalk) October 1, 2017
At the rate things are going, #Vikings could probably trade next to nothing for #Saints Adrian Peterson. 🙃 https://t.co/UrRaGGXPCu
— Charles Robinson (@CharlesRobinson) October 1, 2017
Peterson was on the field for a career low six plays Sunday as the Saints beat the Dolphins in London, 20-0. He finished with four carries for four yards.
Purple PTSD has an article examining the idea of the Vikings trading for Peterson, suggesting that he might actually be a decent fit now that Minnesota has an improved offensive line and passing attack.
