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ALAMEDA – Latavius Murray’s big night barely started before it suddenly stopped. The young Raiders running back had 112 yards and two touchdowns on four carries, but suffered a concussion on the last one.
Murray did not return to that Thursday night game against the Kansas City Chiefs, but was able to pass enough parts of the NFL’s concussion-related protocol to practice on Wednesday afternoon.
He still hasn’t been cleared to play, but Murray said he hasn’t noticed lingering effects of the concussion.
“I’ve felt fine, and I’m feeling better each day,” Murray said. “With these kind of things you have to take it one day at a time and follow the right procedures. I’m making sure to do that and listen to what the trainers have me doing.”
Concussions are tricky to forecast, and symptoms could return despite a string of good days. That’s why it remains uncertain whether he’ll play on Sunday against the St. Louis Rams.
[RELATED: Latavius Murray returns to Raiders practice]
The Raiders certainly hope he can. The second-year pro gave the running game life in his brief appearance against Kansas City, something that hasn’t happened often this season.
Murray he’s become a bright spot in a dark season, a player with tremendous potential that gives fans something to positive to follow.
“It’s a great feeling for people to want to see you out there, and obviously I’ve always wanted to be out there and play and be able to get the ball in my hands so it feels good,” Murray said. “I’ve always said, as long as I’m ready to go when my number called I need to continue to do that. I still have room for improvement. I think I just have to continue to get better and when I’m up, I need to just be ready to go.”
They’d certainly like to see him run for an extended stretch, especially after flashing breakaway speed on a 90-yard touchdown run in the second quarter of Thursday night’s game. His teammates were surprised he was that fast, because even they’ve have limited opportunity to see him run. He rarely took practice reps sitting behind Darren McFadden and Maurice Jones-Drew. He hasn’t seen much game action either.
Murray had just 10 carries before Thursday, and had 23 rushes in the preseason. He missed the entire 2013 campaign with an ankle injury, but earned an opportunity with recent practice performance.
[RELATED: Raiders injury update: Murray working through protocol]
Murray insists he never grew impatient despite struggles from the veterans above him. He was excited about the big plays created against the Chiefs and thankful for the support following that performance, but Murray wants to prove he’s no flash in the pan.
“I just want to make sure I go back out there and not let that be what defines me,” Murray said. “I need to continue to produce when I get back on the field.”
