Latavius Murray Injury Update: Oakland RB out vs Chiefs
Oakland Raiders running back Latavius Murray will miss his second straight game with a toe injury.
The Oakland Raiders will be without running back Latavius Murray for Sunday’s AFC West divisional game against the Kansas City Chiefs, according to Scott Bair of CSNCalifornia.com.
Murray developed turf toe symptoms following Oakland’s Week 4 contest against the Baltimore Ravens and missed last Sunday’s win over the San Diego Chargers. While head coach Jack Del Rio has remained hopeful the injury is not long-term and is describing Murray as week-to-week, he was unable to practice this week and will be held out again.
The fourth-year back out of Central Florida emerged as Oakland’s top back a year ago during a productive season. Murray wasn’t very effective on a per-carry basis but still racked up over 1,000 yards and six touchdowns.
Raiders RB Latavius Murray has been ruled out of Sunday's game against Kansas City.
— Scott Bair (@ScottBairNFL) October 14, 2016
Many expected Murray to keep his hold on the starting job this season. However, Oakland has gone to a running back by committee approach in 2016, limiting Murray to 40 carries for 172 yards and three touchdowns in four games.
Rookie Jalen Richard nearly topped 100 total yards last weekend with Murray sidelined, including six catches for 66 yards. Fellow first-year player DeAndre Washington has also been effective in limited action with 32 carries for 172 yards.
As such, the Raiders won’t be affected as much by losing their leading rusher as most other teams. Richard and Washington have been more efficient than Murray and have earned the opportunity to get more touches over him.
Oakland will need a solid game on the ground to take some pressure off of Derek Carr against the stout Kansas City pass rush. The Raiders rank ninth in the NFL in rushing yards per game and could be even better if Richard and Washington can maintain their yards per carry averages with more touches.
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Still, the Raiders will want Murray back as soon as possible, as running back depth is critical and he is the most proven rusher in the committee. With fullback Jamize Olawale handling goal-line carries, fantasy owners will probably want to avoid the situation altogether.