Cardinals QB Kyler Murray ‘hopeful to play’ in season finale vs. Rams

TEMPE, Ariz. — With one game left on the docket, the biggest question inside the Arizona Cardinals’ training facility revolves around rookie quarterback Kyler Murray.

Hindered by a hamstring issue in Sunday’s 27-13 win over the Seattle Seahawks, will the QB suit up for Week 17’s matchup with the Los Angeles Rams?

While Murray was only played a little more than two quarters in the victory, he’s optimistic for Sunday’s contest.

It is, however, some uncharted water for the rookie.

“As of right now, yeah,” Murray said when asked if he anticipates playing in Los Angeles. “I haven’t really been hurt all season. I got hurt during baseball season a couple times but during football season, never have I been hurt. Having one game left, obviously I want to finish the season out strong. Right now, I’m hopeful to play. I’m not like dying over it.”

It’s been an impressive rookie season for the quarterback, who’s shown progression and readiness for the NFL speed throughout the year. Entering Week 17, Murray has completed 64.6% of his passes for 3,397 yards, tossing 18 touchdowns and 10 interceptions. He’s added another element to the running game as well, rushing for 544 yards (2nd on the team) and four scores (tied for 2nd on the team) on 91 attempts.

“What he’s done at the quarterback position as a rookie is almost unprecedented when you look at it,” head coach Kliff Kingsbury said of the QB. “To come in, start Day 1, the production he’s had, the game-changing plays. And then protecting the football, I think he set the rookie record for pass attempts and hasn’t lost a fumble the entire season, which is just incredible.

“And it’s not one of those situations where he was able to come in and we were kinda playing great defense and running the football. It’s been on him week in and week out and he’s responded. I think if you ask the teams he’s played against, they would speak highly of how he’s performed.”

After stinging together back-to-back wins, finishing the season without their starting QB would be one of the lone negatives among the recent positives the team has seen in the locker room and on the football field.

With or without Murray, Kingsbury wants to make sure the Cardinals end things the right way, regardless of who’s the signal-caller.

“We’ve been doing that the last couple of weeks but we want to put our best foot forward and we’re going to play the guys that we think give us the best chance to win,” Kingsbury said. “Guys are practicing really hard, working really hard and they know we’re going all in to try and win this game.”

For Murray, suiting up Sunday means another shot at the Rams. The first time the two met, Los Angeles’ defense had the upper hand, limiting Murray to just 163 yards and an interception on 19 of 34 passing. His lone score came on the ground.

As a competitor, all you want is another chance at locking off the competition.

If Murray can’t play in the season finale, next up is backup Brett Hundley.

In relief of Murray on Sunday, Hundley went 4-for-9 for 49 yards, no touchdowns and no interceptions. He was sacked one time and also rushed six times for 35 yards.

“He is a scrappy player, he’s a smart player, he feels comfortable in our system, so if he has to go we’ll have a good plan and just cut him loose. We’re not going to hold anything back, we’ll let him try to win the game.”

Ultimately, the decision to play Murray comes down to more than just another tally in the win-loss column. And while the QB wants to suit up, he’s also looking to the future.

“I’m going to be smart, regardless of the situation, understanding that if I can’t be myself then I’m not going to put myself out there. I’m not going to hurt the team in that way, but if I can go, I’m going to go.”

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