Ravens sign running back Latavius Murray

Latavius Murray (YouTube)

The Baltimore Ravens have not started their 2021 National Football League season yet, and all of a sudden have three running backs out of the lineup. First, J.K. Dobbins tore his anterior cruciate ligament in the Ravens’ final preseason game against the Washington Football Team on August 28. Then, Justice Hill tore his achilles during practice on September 2. Then on Thursday, Gus Edwards was one of two Ravens to tear his ACL and have a season-ending injury during practice. The other was cornerback Marcus Peters.

With all of the injuries to their running backs, Baltimore signed Latavius Murray on Friday to a one-year deal worth $2 million. Murray becomes the third high profile running back signed by Baltimore this week, as on Wednesday, the Ravens signed Le’Veon Bell, and on Thursday, signed Devonta Freeman. Bell was not re-signed by the Kansas City Chiefs, while Freeman and Murray were each cut by the Saints.

In 2020, Murray had 146 rushes for 656 yards and four touchdowns, as he saw regular time in backing up Alvin Kamara in New Orleans. He also had 23 catches for 176 yards and one touchdown. Bell shared his 2020 time with the Kansas City Chiefs and New York Jets. He had 82 rushes for 328 yards and two touchdowns, and 16 catches for 138 yards. Freeman meanwhile had 54 rushes for 172 yards and one touchdown, along with seven catches for 58 yards with the New York Giants.

The loss of Peters on defense is also impactful for Baltimore. Last season Peters had 52 combined tackles (46 solo tackles and six assisted tackles), one tackle for a loss, one quarterback hit, four interceptions for 17 yards, four forced fumbles, two fumble recoveries and his first career sack. The sack came in a 27-3 Ravens win over the Cincinnati Bengals on October 11.

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