Former Mizzou RB Marcus Murphy’s NFL roster spot could be in jeopardy
By Adam Spencer
Published:
Former Mizzou RB Marcus Murphy has had a rough start to the NFL preseason.
Now a member of the New Orleans Saints, Murphy, primarily a punt returner, has struggled to hold on to the ball during the Saints’ first two preseason games, fumbling in each.
New Orleans coach Sean Payton wasn’t happy with Murphy’s performance, according to ESPN.com:
“It just can’t happen. We’ll find another returner,” said Payton, who later added that undrafted rookie receiver Tommylee Lewis will “get every opportunity as a returner. Because if the alternative is putting it on the ground, then we’ll find someone else.”
Murphy was upset with himself and acknowledges that he needs to improve if he wants to stay in New Orleans:
“I’ve got to get better,” Murphy said. “The main thing as a returner, you’ve got to hold onto the ball, and I didn’t do that, so I’ve got to come back and improve.
“It’s all about how you shake back.”
Murphy will have to have a big game on Friday against the Pittsburgh Steelers in the Saints’ third preseason contest if he wants to hold on to his job.
Adam is a daily fantasy sports (DFS) and sports betting expert. A 2012 graduate of the University of Missouri, Adam now covers all 16 SEC football teams. He is the director of DFS, evergreen and newsletter content across all Saturday Football brands.
