Vikings running back Latavius Murray is keeping his goals modest as he recovers from ankle surgery.
Murray had his walking boot removed Tuesday, 10 weeks following March 22 surgery on his right ankle, and was able to walk around freely Wednesday during an organized team activities session. Murray was asked afterward if he anticipates being 100 percent when training camp begins in late July.
“The goal is just to try to be available during training camp at some point,” Murray said. “Right now, everything is pointing toward that. I’m just going to trust the process and not rush the process.”
Murray will miss all of spring drills. Though there is no precise timetable for when takes the field, Murray said his recovery is going well.
“There’s been no delays, no setbacks, so I’m feeling really good right now,” he said.
Murray hasn’t been cleared to do any running, but is working out in a pool. For now, he called it a “great relief” to be out of the walking boot.
Murray is a candidate to replace running back Adrian Peterson, who was not brought back as a free agent and eventually signed with New Orleans. Another top contender is rookie Dalvin Cook, and Jerick McKinnon also could be in the mix.
“He’s extremely sharp,” offensive coordinator Pat Shurmur said of Murray. “He’s got great questions (in meetings). He’s right there with us mentally. He just can’t do it physically (yet).”
In addition to Murray, others not practicing during Wednesday’s workout included receivers Adam Thielen (leg) and Stacy Coley (undisclosed injury), linebackers Emmanuel Lamur (undisclosed) and Shaan Washington (leg), defensive tackle Sharrif Floyd (leg) and safety Antone Exum (leg). Cornerback Xavier Rhodes was not at the practice, and a Vikings official gave no explanation for his absence.
Exum was seen leaving after the workout on crutches and with a brace on his knee. Lamur wouldn’t comment on his injury, but said it is not serious and that he will participate later in spring drills.
BRIEFLY
With the Vikings seeking a replacement at outside linebacker for the retired Chad Greenway, third-year veteran Edmond Robinson continued to work with the first team. … Nick Easton took first-team snaps at center with Joe Berger playing right guard. … T.J. Clemmings, a starter at tackle his first two years, worked with the second team at right guard.
