Kyler Murray’s Return Remains Uncertain for Cardinals
The Arizona Cardinals find themselves officially eliminated from playoff contention, paving the way for a potential return of quarterback Kyler Murray from injured reserve this week. However, the atmosphere around the team, including its franchise quarterback, remains murky as Murray has not played since Week 6 due to a mid-foot injury.
Head Coach’s Ambiguous Remarks
Week 14 marks the first opportunity for Murray to practice since his injury, yet Cardinals head coach Jonathan Gannon provided little clarity on the situation during his post-game remarks following the loss to Tampa Bay. When asked if Murray would return this week, Gannon simply responded, “Not sure.” This ambiguity raises questions about the timing of Murray’s recovery and readiness to rejoin the team.
Update on Murray’s Condition
Adding to the uncertainty, NFL insider Ian Rapoport offered insights that suggest Murray may not be prepared to return just yet. He noted, “Jacoby Brissett once again is their starting quarterback, by the way, fresh off setting an NFL record for most completions ever in a game with 47.” This statistic highlights Brissett’s impressive performance, but it also underscores the fact that the Cardinals, with a record of 1-6 under his leadership, are struggling to translate stats into victories. Rapoport continued, “Still dealing with a mid-foot strain. My understanding is it’s a little early maybe for Kyler Murray to return; thought he’d be fully healthy by now. Not quite yet.”
Performance Under Brissett
Despite Brissett’s record-setting day, the Cardinals have struggled to find success on the field. Gannon acknowledged the challenges faced in the recent game against Tampa Bay, noting, “Hats off to Tampa Bay. They made a couple plays, more plays than us.” He emphasized the importance of making crucial plays, stating, “The game came down to the wire there, a lot of back and forth. We lose the takeaway battle 2-0; we know it’s going to be tough sledding. They converted some; we didn’t. I love the fight by the group, but it comes down to a couple plays in all three phases.”
Future Implications for Murray
Should Murray be designated to return from injured reserve, he will have a three-week window to practice. The Cardinals will then have to make a decision to either activate him to the roster or return him to IR for the remainder of the season. With just five games left in the regular season and the team already out of postseason contention, the unfolding situation surrounding Murray could significantly impact his future and the Cardinals’ direction moving forward.
