Tag: Kenneth Murray injury

Why Chargers LB Kenneth Murray could benefit from change in role

Chargers HC Brandon Staley said LB Kenneth Murray’s role is “evolving.”

Expected to make a leap in Brandon Staley’s defense, which was viewed to cater to his strengths, Chargers linebacker Kenneth Murray’s play did not reflect that before being sent to the injured reserve.

Even though he was given more downhill responsibilities, Murray struggled with them. While opportunities were there, he often missed tackles, over-pursued ball carriers, and struggled to shed blocks and work off contact.

Set to return to the field as he will be designated to return from the IR this week after missing the last four games, Murray could be put in a position where he will have more success.

At Wednesday’s media availability, head coach Brandon Staley was asked about giving Murray snaps as an edge defender, and he replied that his role is “evolving.”

While Staley did not elaborate on his response, this could indicate that the second-year player might transition to the position moving forward.

The change might be sudden, but it could pay dividends for a group that has not had the most production as of late.

During his three years at Oklahoma, Murray handled the Mike linebacker role. Even though he primarily patrolled the middle of the field, Murray had his occasional reps along the line of scrimmage, where he showed promise.

Murray possesses the explosiveness, play speed, timing, and body control to thrive as a true pass rusher.

Given how well Kyzir White and Drue Tranquill have played as the starters, broadening Murray’s tasks would allow their playing time not to be cut into, either.

With Murray back at practice, the Chargers have 21 days to activate him off the IR.

It remains to be seen if he will play this weekend against the Eagles, but when Murray does get back on the field, look for him to have more duties at getting after the quarterback.

Chargers Week 4 injury report: DT Justin Jones out, 2 questionable

The Chargers had three players on the final injury report ahead of the Week 4 matchup.

The Chargers had their final practice on Saturday ahead of the Week 4 matchup against the Raiders.

Linebacker Kenneth Murray sustained a leg injury at practice, which we can now directly pinpoint as his ankle. In particular, he re-injured the same ankle that knocked him out of the Cowboys game briefly in Week 2.

With that being said, Murray is questionable for Monday’s game. Head coach Brandon Staley said the team will know more about the severity of his injury later today.

For the third straight week, defensive tackle Justin Jones will not play.

Jones participated in a limited capacity the first two days at practice, but he was a non-participant today.

Jones has been dealing with a calf issue, which Staley has been calling just a cramp numerous times. But it’s likely that it could be strained now.

Joe Gaziano was signed to the active roster, but it’s also likely that either Breiden Fehoko or Forrest Merrill will get promoted from the practice squad.

Cornerback Chris Harris Jr., who also hasn’t played the past two games, is questionable with a shoulder issue. If Harris is unable to play, Tevaughn Campbell will likely get the start in the slot.

Chargers HC Brandon Staley comfortable with calling on LB Nick Niemann

Nick Niemann could fill in if Kenneth Murray can’t play against the Raiders.

On Saturday, the primary storyline was the ankle injury to linebacker Kenneth Murray, which forced him to be carted off the practice field.

According to The Athletic’s Daniel Popper, Murray re-injured the same ankle that knocked him out of the Cowboys game briefly in Week 2.

Even though he is questionable for Monday night’s game against the Raiders, the severity of the injury is still up in the air, and there’s a chance that he could be sidelined for it.

If so, Kyzir White and Drue Tranquill will likely receive the bulk of the workload. However, rookie Nick Niemann could find his way into the linebacker rotation this week.

Following practice, head coach Brandon Staley was asked how Niemann has been coming along with his development, and if he felt the former Iowa product could be counted on with some defensive snaps.

“What he’s done a nice job of doing is carving out a four-core role on special teams,” Staley said. “I just feel that he’s been an impactful player in that way, and on defense, you’re able to see him go against a premium offense every day and see that type of athleticism.

This guy just sees the game. He is a gym rat. He is long and he’s there’s still so much development in his body. I think one year from now his body is going to look a lot different. But he’s working hard at his game and we really like coaching him. I would have no problem putting him in a game.”

While Murray, White, and Tranquill spent nearly all of the three-game preseason slate out of the action, it was Niemann who took advantage of his extended playing time.

Niemann showed the tackling ability and instincts to impact the run game and the athleticism to show up in coverage. As a result, he finished with the most tackles (28) in the NFL in preseason play.

We should know more about Murray’s status in the coming day. But if he’s unable to go, the coaches are confident that Niemann could play a role in his absence.

Chargers LB Kenneth Murray carted off practice field with injury

The Chargers inside linebacker went down at practice on Saturday.

Chargers linebacker Kenneth Murray was carted off the practice field Saturday with a lower-body injury, according to The Athletic’s Daniel Popper.

The 22-year old went down grabbing at his lower left leg during the open period of practice. Trainers rushed over, and it took him a few minutes before being taken off the field.

We will continue to update this story.