PHILADELPHIA -- Eagles running back DeMarco Murray was held out of the preseason opener to much speculation from fans and media alike.
"I played four years," he said. "I'm very comfortable with the offense and myself. I'm getting a lot of great work here. It all depends on what they want to do...they know what's best for the team."
Before Wednesday's practice, Eagles offensive coordinator Pat Shurmur described Murray's participation as a full go. What actually ensued was, from the casual observer, a light work day at three-quarters speed. Still, it was more than Murray typically does. He and Bradford went through zone-read plays together. He took handoffs from the presumptive Eagles starter.
Was it enough for Murray? Does he feel ready?
"I wouldn't put a number on it, obviously you're out here practicing, you're out here working but you definitely want to get a touch or two here in the preseason," he said, "just to get a few hits in and whatnot."
Earlier in the week, Chip Kelly said there was validity to the concerns surrounding Murray's workload in the past. As our Chris Wesseling pointed out, running backs rarely come back from a 370-plus carry season. Kelly knew this, and purposely went out and signed Ryan Mathews as well.
But Murray doesn't feel like Kelly's concerns are directly intertwined with his practice and preseason participation. In a world where everything is centered on sports science, Murray is comfortable knowing that his coach has his reasons.
"No, no, he doesn't at all," Murray said when asked about his workload in Dallas. "I don't think it's a big deal at all. (Kelly) is doing what is best for the team and I'm all for it. It feels like certain days there might not be as much work but I'm for it. They know what is best for the team."
With Bradford slated to make his first start of the preseason on Saturday, we'll see how much Kelly truly values the preseason in terms of his running backs, too.
The latest Around The NFL Podcast continues with its fantasy extravaganza and takes you behind the scenes in Cleveland with Marc Sessler.
