Latavius Murray Fantasy Football News | Shark Bites

Vikings RB Latavius Murray (ankle) declined to guarantee that he'll be ready for the start of training camp. “The goal is just to try to be available during training camp at some point,” he said. “Right now, everything is pointing toward that. I’m just going to trust the process and not rush the process.” Murray underwent ankle surgery on March 22 and just got out of his walking boot this week. He still hasn't been cleared to run. Meanwhile, RBs Dalvin Cook and Jerick McKinnon are soaking up reps. Murray can't afford to miss much training-camp time.

The Vikings traded up to snag Florida State RB Dalvin Cook with the 41st pick of the 2017 NFL Draft. Cook is a classic case of college production vs. measurables. He was a stud at Florida State, topping 1,000 rushing yards in all 3 of his seasons and leaving school with a career 6.5 yards per carry. Cook also totaled 79 catches for 935 yards (11.8 yards per catch). So it was a real head-scratcher when he bombed the Combine. He clocked a decent 4.49-second 40 at 5’10, 210 pounds but was brutal in the jumping and agility drills. Cook finished with a 6th percentile SPARQ score. Also of concern are his 3 shoulder surgeries (1 in high school, 1 in 2014 and another in 2016) and his 3 run-ins with the law. Cook joins a fairly crowded Minnesota backfield that includes the newly signed Latavius Murray and holdover Jerick McKinnon. The rookie will likely emerge as the top talent, though, and is the favorite to lead the backfield in 2017 touches.

The Vikings announced that RB Latavius Murray underwent ankle surgery on Wednesday. The team was aware of the issue when it signed Murray to a 3-year, $15 million deal last week. We don't have any details on Murray's injury or the procedure, but the Vikings expect him to be back to 100% for the start of training camp. Still, missing OTAs and minicamp with his new team isn't ideal.

Vikings HC Mike Zimmer sounds like he plans to use RB Latavius Murray as a feature back. According to the Minneapolis Star Tribune, Zimmer lauded Murray's strength in the run game, receiving ability and even pass protection. "Not having to substitute him on third downs (will be) big," Zimmer said. Of course, Minnesota's weak O-line didn't help any RB deliver much fantasy value last year. We'll see how this situation develops, but expect Murray to land toward the bottom of RB2 territory when our 2017 projections come out

The Vikings have signed RB Latavius Murray to a 3-year deal that can be voided after this season, according to ESPN's Field Yates. We're curious to see the dollars involved here. Murray has been a solid fantasy RB the past 2 years, posting back-to-back top 13 PPR finishes. But his actual play hasn't been nearly as impressive. Murray mustered just 4.0 yards per carry in both seasons. That was particularly disappointing last year, when a strong Raiders offensive line ranked 11th in Football Outsiders' Adjusted Line Yards. Now Murray will be running behind a Vikings line that finished 30th in Adjusted Line Yards. He figures to get the 1st crack at lead-back duties, but bank on RB Jerick McKinnon also getting plenty of run. Murray's arrival ends any chance of RB Adrian Peterson returning to Minnesota. The Raiders, meanwhile, are left with 2nd-year RBs DeAndre Washington and Jalen Richard.

The Associated Press reports that the Raiders will not renew the contract of OC Bill Musgrave this offseason, opting instead to promote QBs coach Todd Downing. Oakland jumped from 24th in yards and 17th in scoring to 6th and 7th, respectively, in Musgrave's 2nd year as OC. Downing spent the past 2 years as QBs coach, marking the 3rd team he has served in that role. He has never served as an OC on the college or pro level, though. We'll await word on his plans for the Raiders offense, as well as any significant moves the team plans for this offseason. The most interesting situation for fantasy owners will be the backfield, with Latavius Murray on the verge of free agency and DeAndre Washington's role growing at the end of the year.

Raiders RB Latavius Murray entered Week 15 with 20+ touches in 3 straight. Facing San Diego, though, he posted 81 yards on just 13 carries, adding 1 catch for 11 yards. He busted off a 33-yard run just before halftime but added 2 fumbles (1 lost). Oakland moved back to a 3-man committee, as DeAndre Washington and Jalen Richard combined for 16 touches. Murray was also stuffed twice at the goal line. Despite the minor letdown, Murray will carry plenty of upside into a Week 16 home game with Indianapolis.

RB Latavius Murray was the only thing working for the Raiders' offense in Thursday night's loss to the Chiefs. He carried 22 times for 103 yards -- just 14 fewer than QB Derek Carr threw for on 41 attempts. Murray also scored Oakland's only TD, a 1-yard plunge in the closing seconds of the 1st half. He's now popped in 4 TDs over his last 3 games and 12 total on the season. Murray has also tallied 22+ touches in 3 straight games and 16+ in 7 straight. That volume will make him a borderline RB1 against the Chargers's 25th-ranked RB defense in Week 15.

Raiders RB Latavius Murray (toe) is active for today’s game against the Jaguars. He averaged 12.5 touches across Oakland’s first 4 contests. That’s a fair projection for his Week 7 workload.

NFL Network's Ian Rapoport confirms that Raiders RB Latavius Murray (toe) will play against the Jaguars today. It's worth noting that Rapoport calls Murray "the starter." He's the best fantasy bet in Oakland's backfield but will continue to lose touches to RBs DeAndre Washington and Jalen Richard.

Raiders RB Latavius Murray (toe) is questionable for Sunday's game against the Jaguars. He put in 3 limited practices this week and is expected to play, per ESPN's Adam Caplan. We'll find out for sure by noon ET on Sunday. Sharing the backfield with DeAndre Washington and Jalen Richard and probably not at 100%, Murray is an extremely risky fantasy start.

Raiders RB Latavius Murray (toe) is expected back for this weekend's game against the Jaguars, according to insider Adam Caplan. Murray has put in a couple of limited practice this week after missing the past 2 games. A healthy Murray figures to resume lead duties in Oakland's backfield, but he'll continue to lose touches to RBs DeAndre Washington and Jalen Richard.

Raiders RB Latavius Murray (toe) returned to practice on Wednesday. It gives him a good shot to return for this weekend's game against the Jaguars. Neither DeAndre Washington nor Jalen Richard distinguished himself in Murray's absence the past 2 weeks, so a healthy Murray should return as the lead back -- albeit of a 3-man committee.

Raiders RB Latavius Murray (toe) has been ruled out for Sunday's game against the Chiefs. He's still not back at practice and certainly isn't a lock to return for Week 7. Oakland's bye isn't until Week 10. DeAndre Washington and Jalen Richard figure to share backfield duties again this Sunday. Both guys are borderline RB2s vs. a Kansas City defense allowing 4.8 yards per carry.

Raiders RB Latavius Murray (toe) remained sidelined on Wednesday. It's not a good start for his chances to playing against the Chiefs this weekend. Murray is reportedly dealing with turf toe, which often lingers for multiple weeks. RBs DeAndre Washington and Jalen Richard split backfield duties last week and would likely do the same this Sunday if Murray sits.