The Arizona Cardinals will enter the 2023 season with a new general manager and head coach, but the biggest unknown in the organization is the status of Kyler Murray.
Murray’s return timeline is unclear, a month and a half since a late-season ACL and meniscus tear, Although the star quarterback is not expected to return when the campaign begins in September, NFL Network insider Ian Rapoport reports Sunday on NFL GameDay Morning
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In fact, Murray will likely miss half of next season.
“My understanding is that he’s going to take his time and make sure this is 100 percent correct,” Rapoport reported. “He’s young. He’s had a long career. He doesn’t rush things, so don’t be surprised if we don’t see him start the season, maybe even halfway through. This injury has to heal completely. “
Murray was injured on Dec. 13 and lost 13 games in the desert. The Cardinals were 4-8 at the time and ended up 4-13, ending the season with seven straight losses and, in the absence of Murray, Colt McCoy, Trece McSorley and David Bradley Love and other centers start. Due to Arizona’s poor end, head coach Cliff Kingsbury was fired and general manager Steve Keim stepped down, leaving a sizeable leadership void in Arizona.
The Cardinals have hired former Tennessee Titans executive Monty Olson Ford as their general manager and have interviewed eight head coaching candidates. A major topic of the aforementioned interview was Murray’s health and status, according to Rapoport.
A former No. 1 overall pick, Murray signed a five-year, $230.5 million contract extension during the 2022 offseason. Of the Kyler-Kingsbury-Keim troika, who all signed huge contracts last year, the QB is the only one remaining at the club.
Murray had a mediocre first season under contract to say the least, even before the injury. The former Rookie of the Year Offensive averaged a career-low 215.3 passing yards per game, 6.1 yards per carry and a passer rating of 87.2.
Behind Murray on the depth chart heading into 2023 remains McCoy, a skilled backup who turns 37 and enters his roster in September. 13th season. McCoy has been strong in four games in 2022, completing 68.2 percent of his passes for 780 yards, one touchdown and three interceptions.
If Murray is going to miss longer, Olson Ford and the Cardinals can invest in a backup QB this offseason who can give them a fight in their rebuild Opportunity. There will be many options to choose from.
There are still big decisions to be made in Arizona, starting with who will be the head coach of Murray and company; according to owner Michael Bidwill, Murray could even offer input on hiring. But it’s also important to determine how to continue at quarterback, especially if K1 gets knocked out for half the season.
