Costa Mesa – Chargers linebacker Kenneth Murray has spent the past five months recovering from offseason ankle surgery, The surgery he underwent in early April after his recovery did not spare him any lingering effects.
Murray, 23, only played 11 games last season because his left ankle caused him problems all year.
Murray is back on Monday for the first time this summer after missing the first 16 days of training camp practice and being placed on the physically unable to perform list.
“I think there’s definitely enough time for him to get ready for the season,” head coach Brandon Staley said of Murray. “We’re going to have him into a personal [period] this week. I know he’s happy to do that. Just make sure we look at all the metrics and then trust our eyes and what we see and talk to him.”
The Chargers plan to ease him into football, but the optimism is that he can be ready for the season opener against the Raiders in Week 1.
Murray completed Monday’s individual practice section. Murray worked with coaches and coaches as practice transitioned to teamwork.
Scroll to continue
when With the team in nickel defense, expect the Chargers to roll out Drue Tranquill and Kyle Van Noy as primary linebackers. Murray is likely to serve as the third linebacker when using their base personnel.
“He’s a versatile player. He’s physical, has size and speed. Just really brings more depth to the inside linebacker room,” Staley said of Murray’s contributions on the field. “He’s been in the NFL for two years, so he gets some experience. “
The Chargers are three weeks away from the start of the regular season. While Murray has started his first day of getting his body into football, he may be able to start fast. This season, until he puts his leg under him completely.
MORE FROM CHARGER REPORT
Chargers carry three quarterbacks on 53-man roster
5 takeaways from the Chargers’ 32-18 preseason loss to the Cowboys
Special teams turnovers haunt Chargers in 32-18 preseason loss to Cowboys
gap
Cothrel is the publisher of Charger Report. Follow Nick Twitter @ Nick Cothrel for more charger coverage.
