Latavius Murray Had Ankle Surgery After Signing with Vikings

New Minnesota Vikings running back Latavius Murray underwent successful ankle surgery Wednesday, the team announced. 

The Vikings' statement noted the team was aware of Murray's need for surgery before signing him. He is expected to fully recover by the start of training camp. 

Murray signed a three-year, $15 million deal with the Vikings on March 16 to take over as their No. 1 running back. They can only hope he makes a full recovery since they'll be counting on him to shoulder a heavy workload out of the backfield. 

Assuming Murray is able to work his way back to 100 percent, he should have fresh legs after the Raiders used him sparingly to the tune of 195 carries last season. 

All told, Murray rushed for 788 yards and a career-high 12 touchdowns operating primarily as the Raiders' early-down back and goal-line hammer. He graded out 23rd overall among players at his position with a cumulative mark of 71.6, per Pro Football Focus. 

"He’s got strength in his running game, power in his run game, catches the ball well out of the backfield and is a good pass protector and receiver," head coach Mike Zimmer told KFAN on Tuesday, per the Pioneer Press' Chris Tomasson. "I just think his big-play ability, being able to catch the ball, not having to substitute for him on third downs, I think a lot of those are big for him."

With the Vikings, Murray should work in tandem with Jerick McKinnon to help stabilize a ground game that ranked dead last in average rushing yards (75.3) last season. And with a revamped offensive line bookended by Riley Reiff and Mike Remmers, Murray should have solid lanes at his disposal as he tries to rip off chunk gains.