Amidst a challenging season and a three-game losing streak, Arizona Cardinals quarterback Kyler Murray has returned to practice as a limited participant, offering a glimmer of hope but no immediate guarantee for his return to the starting lineup following a foot injury that sidelined him against the Indianapolis Colts.
The Arizona Cardinals’ season has been a rollercoaster of hope and frustration, and at the center of it all is the health of their dynamic quarterback, Kyler Murray. After missing last Sunday’s game due to a foot injury, Murray was designated a limited participant in the Cardinals’ estimation of Wednesday’s practice. This development, while positive, keeps fans on edge as head coach Jonathan Gannon maintains a cautious approach, stating Murray will only return to the lineup when he is healthy enough to perform at his best.
The Foot Injury and Murray’s Road to Recovery
Kyler Murray, 28, initially sustained his foot injury during the third quarter of the Cardinals’ narrow 22-21 home loss to the Tennessee Titans on October 5th. While he briefly exited the game, missing only two snaps before returning with a noticeable limp, the full extent of the injury became apparent when he was ruled out for the following game against the Colts. This recent setback reignites concerns about Murray’s durability, especially given his recent history.
Before this foot ailment, the two-time Pro Bowl selection had not missed a game since Weeks 1-9 in 2023, a period he spent recovering from surgery for a torn ACL suffered in 2022. His commitment to returning from that significant knee injury was a testament to his drive, and fans are now hoping for a similar swift, yet cautious, recovery from this current foot issue. Coach Gannon’s “day by day” approach signals the team’s priority on Murray’s long-term health over a rushed return.
Jacoby Brissett Steps Up: A Closer Look at the Backup QB’s Performance
In Murray’s absence against the Indianapolis Colts, veteran backup quarterback Jacoby Brissett stepped into the starting role. Brissett, a 32-year-old journeyman with extensive NFL experience across multiple teams including the Patriots, Dolphins, Browns, and Commanders, delivered a solid performance despite the team’s 31-27 loss. He completed 27 of 44 passes for 320 yards, throwing two touchdowns and one interception. While the Cardinals ultimately fell short, Brissett’s outing provided some stability for an offense missing its primary playmaker.
Brissett’s career statistics showcase a capable, if not spectacular, backup. With 53 regular-season starts under his belt and a career record of 19-34, he brings a wealth of experience. His performance against the Colts, even in a losing effort, demonstrated his ability to manage the game and move the ball downfield, offering a valuable contingency plan for Arizona as Murray recovers.
The Cardinals’ Tumultuous Season: Beyond the QB Carousel
The Cardinals’ season has been defined by close calls and mounting frustrations. Currently standing at a 2-4 record, Arizona has suffered three consecutive losses, all agonizingly decided by game-ending field goals. The team’s offensive struggles are evident, ranking 30th in the league with just 170.2 passing yards per game, as reported by Field Level Media.
Beyond the quarterback situation, the team’s injury report is extensive. Key players missing practice or limited alongside Murray include:
- Emari Demercado (ankle)
- Zay Jones (knee)
- Marvin Harrison Jr. (concussion)
- Bam Knight (knee)
- Darren Hall (quadricep)
- Akeem Davis-Gaither (foot)
- Kitan Crawford (ankle)
- Dadrion Taylor-Demerson (ankle)
- Darius Robinson (pectoral)
The team also recently opened the 21-day practice window for Walter Nolen III, the 16th overall pick in the 2025 NFL Draft, who has been sidelined since training camp with a calf injury. This long list highlights the depth of the challenges facing coach Gannon and his staff. Adding to the internal pressure, Gannon himself was fined $100,000 following a heated sideline confrontation with running back Emari Demercado during the Titans game, an incident that followed Demercado’s costly fumble near the goal line.
What’s Next for Arizona? Facing the Green Bay Packers
As the Cardinals look to snap their losing streak and gain some momentum, they prepare to host the Green Bay Packers (3-1-1) this Sunday. The uncertainty surrounding Murray’s availability adds another layer of complexity to an already challenging matchup. For fans, the focus remains on the latest practice reports and any updates from Coach Gannon regarding Murray’s health. The potential for Brissett to start another game looms large, and the team will need a collective effort to overcome their injury woes and secure a much-needed victory at home.
The Cardinals’ fan base, a passionate and dedicated community, is keenly watching how the team navigates these turbulent waters. Discussions on fan forums and social media are buzzing with theories about Murray’s true return timeline, the impact of the numerous injuries, and the overall trajectory of the season. Many are pondering the strategic implications of potentially starting Brissett again versus rushing Murray back, and how these decisions could affect their long-term outlook and upcoming draft position.
