Week 16 Outlook
Availability
According to ESPN's Adam Schefter, 30-year-old veteran free agent running back DeMarco Murray has chosen to retire from the NFL. Murray drew some interest in the offseason after being released by the Titans in March. The former Cowboys, Eagles and Titans Pro Bowler will hang them up with 7,174 career rushing yards and 55 total touchdowns.
Fantasy Impact
Murray fell off career-low 3.6 yards-per-carry and 659 rushing yards last season, indicating his days as a workhorse were likely over. He might have latched on as a part-timer in training camp, but Murray instead is choosing to walk away from the NFL after seven seasons.
Free agent running back DeMarco Murray, who was released by the Titans in March, declined to join Terrance West and Jamaal Charles by working out for the Saints on Wednesday. Murray made a couple of visits during the offseason but seems content to wait for a bigger role. "Murray's still waiting for the right opportunity and believes he is ready to make a significant contribution in 2018," wrote Schefter.
Fantasy Impact
Murray looked washed last season and at 30, with 1,911 career touches, his days as a featured back are over. Most likely, Murray will have to wait until an injury occurs during training camp or the preseason to attract any real attention. In the right situation, Murray might still have a few good fantasy performances left in him but it's hard to justify a draft pick until we know where he might wind up playing.
NFL Network's Ian Rapoport is reporting that the Titans have released veteran running back DeMarco Murray.
Fantasy Impact
If you've been paying attention, the writing was on the wall. The Titans were able to release him without taking any cap hit, making it easy to promote Derrick Henry to the lead role. While some will jump for joy now that Henry is free of Murray's stranglehold on the job, the Titans are extremely likely to add a running back either in free agency or the draft who excels in pass-protection, as well as the receiving game, where Henry's shortcomings are. Murray will try to find a job in a very crowded market at a position that favors youth. Coming off an injury-plagued season where he averaged just 3.6 yards per carry behind a rock-solid offensive line, that may prove to be difficult. His days as a workhorse are over, but if Chris Ivory can find a job, so can he.
DeMarco Murray (knee) has been ruled out of Saturday's Divisional Round game against the Patriots.
Fantasy Impact
The Titans will have to control the ball to keep Tom Brady off the field to have any chance of survival in this game and that means utilizing Derrick Henry who produced 191 yards and a touchdown in last week's win over the Chiefs.
DeMarco Murray (knee) remained sidelined at Tuesday's practice and is unlikely to play in Saturday's Divisional Round game against the Patriots.
Fantasy Impact
Even if he is able to suit up, the backfield now belongs to Derrick Henry.
