Broncos Turn To Veteran Running Back For Help

Javonte Williams
Christian Petersen/Getty Images

KEY POINTS

The Broncos have signed Latavius Murray to beef up the lineup
Nathaniel Hackett is aware he needs to spread the load to get the Broncos running
Russell Wilson is expected to play against the Colts in the Broncos’ next assignment

The Denver Broncos are reportedly signing Latavius Murray to fill the void left by Javonte Williams.

Williams was lost for the season after he tore his ACL and LCL in their NFL game against the Las Vegas Raiders.

“Losing Javonte is so important, (he’s) a dynamic player in this league,” Broncos first-year coach Nathaniel Hackett said as quoted by CBS Sports.

Ironically, Murray is coming off his first game of the season where he rushed 57 yards and a touchdown on 11 carries in London for the New Orleans Saints.

The Minnesota Vikings won over the Saints, 28-25.

The 32-year-old was actually on the practice squad of the Saints but was elevated to the active roster to take over the spot left by Alvin Kamara who nurses a rib injury.

Originally the sixth-round pick of the Oakland Raiders in 2013, Murray rushed for a career-high 1,066 yards and six touchdowns in his third NFL season.

The UCF product likewise played for the Vikings and Baltimore Ravens.

With the Ravens, the Florida native amassed a total of 501 yards and six touchdowns last NFL season.

It will be interesting how Murray can help the struggling Broncos as they currently tote a 2-2 record.

The Broncos also have the No. 18 rushing offense in the league as they average 109.5 rushing yards per game.

Moreover, Melvin Gordon will take over the spot of Williams as starting running back for the Broncos.

However, it would be best to note that the 29-year-old fumbled four times in four games played this season.

Hence, Broncos coach Nathaniel Hackett may have to check other running backs on his end for help.

Apart from Murray, there is also Mike Boone at his disposal.

“We’ll have to disperse [the workload] between the guys that we’ll have out there, who’s ever out there is going to have to do the best job they can,” Hackett said. “We have some good backs and we want to make sure we showcase them.”

The Broncos will spring back to action on Thursday, October 6 against the Indianapolis Colts with quarterback Russell Wilson expected to play.