In a critical season for the Arizona Cardinals, quarterback Kyler Murray has found himself sidelined for significant stretches, having appeared in only five games this year. Last season, he led the team to an 8-9 record, narrowly missing the playoffs, and since becoming the starting quarterback in 2019, he has managed to lead the Cardinals into the postseason only once, in 2021.
Murray started the current season strong, guiding Arizona to victories against the New Orleans Saints and the Carolina Panthers, boasting a 2-0 start. However, the optimism quickly faded as the team suffered three consecutive losses to the San Francisco 49ers, Seattle Seahawks, and Tennessee Titans. Following a streak of poor performance, the Cardinals now find themselves among the lower tiers of the NFL, having lost seven out of their last eight games.
The turning point for Murray came during the fifth week of the season, when a foot injury sustained against the Tennessee Titans forced him out of action. Although he completed the game, he was unable to participate in the following three contests and was subsequently placed on injured reserve after being diagnosed with a foot sprain. This injury is just the latest in a series of setbacks throughout his career, including a torn ACL and other minor injuries.
As it stands, Murray is not eligible to return to the field until Week 14. The Cardinals are set to face their NFC West rivals, the Los Angeles Rams, during that week. While there’s a possibility of his return if his recovery progresses well, the team may consider keeping him out for the remainder of the season. With playoff hopes looking bleak, Arizona might also explore options to reshape their quarterback lineup, potentially considering trades involving Murray during the offseason.
This period of uncertainty presents both challenges and opportunities for Murray and the Cardinals, as they contemplate their future direction. With patience and the right recovery, there’s hope that Murray can bounce back stronger, returning to lead his team with renewed vigor in the next season.