The upcoming clash between the Indianapolis Colts and Arizona Cardinals on Sunday presents a compelling narrative, dubbed a ‘tale of two quarterbacks.’ While Colts signal-caller Daniel Jones is enjoying a remarkable career turnaround, the Cardinals face uncertainty with Kyler Murray’s foot injury, potentially forcing veteran backup Jacoby Brissett into action.
The Indianapolis Colts (4-1) are riding high, with Daniel Jones at the helm orchestrating one of the league’s most surprising offensive surges. His transformation is stark, especially when contrasted with the potential absence of Kyler Murray for the struggling Arizona Cardinals (2-3). This dynamic sets the stage for a critical matchup with significant implications for both franchises.
Daniel Jones’ Dramatic Turnaround
At 28 years old, Daniel Jones has found a new lease on his NFL career in Indianapolis. His journey is a testament to perseverance, especially after a challenging stint with the New York Giants that saw him “flame out” and end up as a backup for the Minnesota Vikings in 2024. Jones openly reflects on the toll that constant losing took on him, stating, “I don’t know if I could say I ever hated the game. But those drives back from the stadium after a loss, stuck in traffic, make you think about a lot of things. The end in New York was tough and you go through a lot.”
His current performance paints a vastly different picture. Last week, in a dominant 40-6 victory over Las Vegas, Jones completed 20 of 29 passes for 212 yards and two touchdowns. Through five games, his 71.3 percent completion rate and 105.1 quarterback rating are both career highs, showcasing newfound efficiency and confidence. This stellar play has powered the Colts to 163 points in their first five games, a scoring output that nearly eclipses franchise history. Only the legendary 2007 Colts, featuring Hall of Famers like Peyton Manning, Marvin Harrison, and Reggie Wayne, scored more points (164) in the first five games of a season, as detailed by Pro-Football-Reference.
Despite their offensive success, Indianapolis faced a setback with kicker Spencer Shrader suffering a torn ACL and MCL after being roughed during an extra point. Veteran kicker Michael Badgley, who had been sidelined since July with a torn hamstring, won a tryout to secure the job, expressing a resilient mindset: “I always knew I was going to get back so I just kept a positive mindset.” On the injury front, the Colts listed six players on their initial report, with three not practicing, including starting safety Kenny Moore II (Achilles injury) and running back Tyler Goodson (groin), both of whom are confirmed to sit out.
Kyler Murray’s Lingering Foot Injury and the Brissett Factor
For the Arizona Cardinals, the biggest question mark revolves around the health of star quarterback Kyler Murray. He sustained a foot injury in the third quarter of last week’s 22-21 upset loss to Tennessee but managed to finish the game. However, Murray missed practice on Wednesday and Thursday and was a limited participant on Friday, raising serious doubts about his availability for Sunday. Reports from ESPN late Saturday night indicated that Murray is not expected to play.
Should Murray be sidelined, the Cardinals will turn to veteran backup Jacoby Brissett to try and snap their three-game skid. Head coach Jonathan Gannon spoke highly of Brissett’s professionalism: “He’s a true pro. I know that term gets thrown around but when you’re in his seat, the quarterback position is the hardest in sports and to know that you’re one play away from your role changing, you really do got to be on the details like you’re the starter.” To bolster their quarterback depth, the Cardinals also promoted Kedon Slovis from their practice squad to the active roster.
Brissett brings a wealth of experience, particularly to Indianapolis where he spent four seasons. The 10-year veteran has started 53 games in his career, 30 of which were with the Colts, where he posted an 11-19 record, throwing for 31 touchdowns against 13 interceptions. His familiarity with Lucas Oil Stadium and the AFC South could be a silent advantage for Arizona.
Cardinals’ Off-Field Drama and Injury Woes
Beyond Murray’s status, the Cardinals have faced other distractions. Coach Jonathan Gannon was fined an astonishing $100,000 by the franchise for punching running back Emari Demercado. This incident occurred after Demercado fumbled the ball just outside the goal line, turning a potential 72-yard touchdown into a touchback, which ultimately fueled Tennessee’s comeback from a 21-6 deficit. Gannon has since apologized to both Demercado and the team for his actions.
The Cardinals’ injury report is extensive. They have officially ruled out defensive linemen Darius Robinson (pectoral), who missed last week’s game and Wednesday’s practice, and Bilal Nichols (personal reasons). Punter Blake Gillian (back) has been placed on injured reserve, requiring him to sit out at least four games, with Pat O’Donell signed as his replacement. Additional players listed as questionable for the game include:
- Receiver Zay Jones (knee)
- Cornerback Max Melton (hamstring)
- Linebacker Cody Simon (knee)
- Linebacker Mack Wilson (ankle)
The convergence of Daniel Jones’ ascendant play and Kyler Murray’s uncertain health creates a fascinating backdrop for this Sunday’s contest. While the Colts look to continue their surprising start, the Cardinals face the daunting task of overcoming significant injuries and off-field distractions to find their footing in Indianapolis.
