Cardinals’ Kyler Murray starting vs. the Cowboys feels far from a given

TEMPE — Everything appeared to be lining up just as it should for the Arizona Cardinals.

Not only was the bye week filled with plenty of R&R and self-evaluation, all signs pointed to a healthy Kyler Murray returning to the starting lineup for Monday Night Football against the Dallas Cowboys.

And what an opportunity it could be for the franchise caller, who is a perfect 9-0 at AT&T Stadium across his football career, which includes a pair of NFL wins. That’s before mentioning just how awful the Cowboys are defensively.

Want to squash all that quarterback controversy chatter in a national way? Monday marks the perfect chance to do so.

But two official practices (plus a bonus day of work) ahead of the primetime tilt, the expected return of Murray seems anything but a given.

So, what’s the deal?

Why Kyler Murray’s return isn’t a sure thing

Head coach Jonathan Gannon gave a “yeah,” albeit in a brush-off manner, when asked if the team was preparing Murray to play in Dallas.

Look at the optics during the open portion of practices this week, though, and the snaps split says otherwise.

QB Jacoby Brissett continues to lead practice drills ahead of Kyler Murray during the open portion of Cardinals practice.

Brissett again worked mostly with Marvin Harrison Jr., Trey McBride and Zay Jones.

Murray, who saw fewer practice reps today compared to Brissett, worked… pic.twitter.com/asUJV27fxq

— Tyler Drake (@Tdrake4sports) October 31, 2025

Unlike typical weeks where Murray leads off practice drills, it was Jacoby Brissett getting the rock first.

The pass catchers they’ve been throwing to also provide some intel.

Much like last week, Brissett was working primarily with Marvin Harrison Jr., Trey McBride, Zay Jones and Greg Dortch — those higher on the depth chart.

Murray, meanwhile, got his reps in with Simi Fehoko, Xavier Weaver and Josiah Deguara. The signal caller also continues to be a limited participant, a designation he’s held for weeks now.

Harrison, who said he didn’t know who was starting when asked Thursday, makes it a point to get every rep he can with Murray when the quarterback is healthy and expected to start. Seeing him working exclusively with Brissett is telling.

Murray also saw far fewer snaps compared to Brissett on Friday after it felt like a pretty even split the day prior.

Then there’s the starting quarterback availability adding another layer to it all.

Similar to the previous two weeks, the Cardinals have moved the scheduled Murray interview to later in the week.

Both times that’s been the case, Brissett spoke after the final day of practice before getting the starting nod.

There’s been no update as to who is speaking this week. But with each pushback, it feels more and more likely Brissett will be holding court at his locker on Saturday.

Door not completely shut on Kyler Murray’s return for MNF

It feels like Brissett is moving closer to his third straight start given what’s been on display this week.

That being said, if Murray can log a full day of practice and get back to throwing to primary pass catchers, the quarterback could very well get the green light.

But time is seriously running out.

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