Broncos new running back could have large role in first game
The Denver Broncos will face the Los Angeles Chargers on Monday Night Football in Week 6 and the team could have to rely on a running back making his debut with the team.
The Broncos signed Latavius Murray off the practice squad of the New Orleans Saints following the season-ending injury suffered by Javonte Williams. Murray watched from the sideline as the Broncos lost to the Indianapolis Colts in Week 5 but he could be in line for several carries against the Chargers.
The team’s other two running backs, Melvin Gordon and Mike Boone, have been limited in practice this week while nursing injuries. Both players should play, but how much remains to be seen. Either way, Murray should be active and carrying the ball.
The Broncos rushed for 125 yards as a team against the Colts, but only 94 of those yards came from the running back position. The team could take a ton of pressure off of Russell Wilson and the rest of the offense if it can get the running game going.
Murray will come in with fresh legs and nearly two weeks to learn the playbook and the offense in Denver. The last time we saw him in action, he looked great.
The Saints had called him up off the practice squad ahead of their game against the Minnesota Vikings in London back in Week 4.
Murray only carried the ball 11 times in that game but he gained 57 yards, averaging a solid 5.2 yards per carry while also scoring a touchdown in the game.
Latavius Murray could see significant work in Week 6 vs. the Chargers
Murray will be playing for his fifth NFL team. He has over 5,500 career rushing yards to go along with 50 rushing touchdowns. He can also chip in as a receiver as he has nearly 200 career receptions for another 1,377 yards receiving.
Even if Boone is able to suit up and play, he is not a guy the Broncos are going to give a ton of carries to. He will be used as a change-of-pace guy and a receiver on third-down plays.
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Murray, especially if he can average five yards per tote, is a good choice to lean on for the Broncos. He will obviously see a hefty workload if either Gordon or Boone is unable to play.