Cardinals Face Setback as Kyler Murray’s Return Delayed
The Arizona Cardinals received disappointing news regarding their star quarterback, Kyler Murray, who will not be activated from injured reserve this week. Head coach Jonathan Gannon confirmed at his Monday press conference that the team isn’t ready to open Murray’s window for return.
“Kyler, we will not open his window, not quite there yet,” Gannon stated, reflecting on the ongoing recovery process. “He’s working every day, but I know he wants to be out there. It’s just unfortunate right now.”
Implications of the Delay
With just five games remaining in the season, the Cardinals are set to host the Los Angeles Rams in Week 14. This week presented the first chance for Murray to be designated to return to practice, which would initiate a 21-day window allowing him to officially practice with the team. Since suffering a mid-foot sprain in Week 6, Murray has been sidelined, and this week marked the earliest opportunity for him to rejoin the roster.
The Cardinals are taking a cautious approach, with Gannon emphasizing that they will not rush the former No. 1 overall pick back into action. “It’s hard. You know what he puts – all our players that aren’t out there – you know what they put into the game and into the prep. I know they all want to play. When your health is preventing you from doing that it can get frustrating, there’s no doubt,” Gannon explained.
Signs of Progress
When asked about the status of Murray’s injury, Gannon expressed optimism. “I think so. He’s doing things that he hadn’t been able to do in the past here, so we just take it day by day.” This cautious optimism offers a glimmer of hope to fans and teammates alike, though the timeline for Murray’s return remains uncertain.
Future Speculations
As the season progresses, the uncertainty surrounding Murray’s future in Arizona continues to grow. Speculation mounts that the Cardinals may consider moving on from the Heisman winner, depending on how the remainder of the season unfolds.
In the meantime, the team will focus on their upcoming matchup against the Rams, hoping to secure crucial wins as they navigate the challenges of the remainder of the season without their star quarterback.
