ARIZONA CARDINALS

When will Kyler Murray return? Gannon explains what Cardinals want to see first

Oct 16, 2023, 3:45 PM | Updated: 3:46 pm

Kyler Murray...

Arizona Cardinals QB Kyler Murray looks on during minicamp on Tuesday, June 13, 2023, in Tempe. (Tyler Drake/Arizona Sports)

(Tyler Drake/Arizona Sports)

Arizona Cardinals quarterback Kyler Murray remains on the physically unable to perform list but is eligible to return to practice. And as of Monday afternoon, head coach Jonathan Gannon isn’t ready to activate the starter with the Cardinals sitting at a 1-5 record and a date against the Seattle Seahawks up next.

“(I) like the week that he had and we’ve got to kind of see here, next couple days, see how tonight goes, how tomorrow goes, again, not rushing that,” Gannon told Arizona Sports’ Burns & Gambo. “Making sure that he feels good about going out there. Make sure he’s trending in the right direction.”

What do the Cardinals want to see out of Murray in terms of trends?

“Just to make sure, before the mental gets put on him of playing football, to make sure the physical is right,” Gannon added. “Just all the different things that he does as a player and what he wants to be able to do playing the position, make sure that we can simulate that as much as we can without him being there out there playing football … that he feels comfortable doing everything that he’s going to need to do to function.”

Murray tore his ACL in December and was eligible to be designated to return from the PUP list after four missed games.

The Cardinals have remained coy about his status beyond saying he’s trending in the right direction. But Murray has teased physical improvements with his social media posts.

According to Gannon, the quarterback has been engaged and is mentally prepared.

“But you got to play football, too,” Gannon told Burns & Gambo. “We understand there’s going to be a little bit of learning curve, a new system for him. He hasn’t taken a snap in this offense. I like the plan with kind of how we have it structured and the work that he’s been putting in during practice, in meetings,  the extra time spent in the morning and the night. I mean, this guy is a competitor. … he puts the work in, I know that.”

Joshua Dobbs has replaced Murray through six games.

Dobbs has completed 63% of his passes for 1,215 yards, six touchdowns and three interceptions in six starts, while rushing 34 times for 189 yards.

Arizona Cardinals

Arizona Cardinals defensive lineman Ben Stille (90) stands on the sidelines during an NFL football ...

Bailey Leasure

Cardinals elevate defensive lineman Ben Stille from practice squad

The Cardinals elevated defensive lineman Ben Stille to the active roster ahead of their Week 9 matchup versus the Chicago Bears.

40 minutes ago

The roof is expected to be open Sunday for the Cardinals-Bears game at State Farm Stadium...

Damon Allred

Cardinals-Bears: Roof expected to be open at State Farm Stadium

The roof at State Farm Stadium is expected to be open on Sunday as the Arizona Cardinals host the Chicago Bears, the team announced.

4 hours ago

Giants pass rusher Azeez Ojulari, who the Cardinals have reportedly inquired about ahead of the NFL...

Damon Allred

Report: Cardinals have called about pass rushers Azeez Ojulari, Arden Key ahead of NFL trade deadline

The Arizona Cardinals have reportedly made calls about pass rushers Azeez Ojulari of the New York Giants and Arden Key of the Tennessee Titans.

7 hours ago

Chicago Bears QB Caleb Williams looks to pass. The Cardinals take on the Bears in Week 9....

Tyler Drake

Cardinals-Bears: Arizona gets another crack at a rookie QB

The Arizona Cardinals defense is getting its first look at No. 1 overall pick and Chicago Bears quarterback Caleb Williams on Sunday.

8 hours ago

Monti Ossenfort...

Alex Weiner

Cardinals GM Monti Ossenfort continues to field calls ahead of trade deadline

Cardinals general manager Monti Ossenfort said his front office has been involved in a number of talks ahead of Tuesday's trade deadline.

1 day ago

Arizona Cardinals S Budda Baker points to the crowd. The veteran remains unbothered by any trade sp...

Tyler Drake

Cardinals GM: ‘Don’t believe everything you read’ on potential Budda Baker trades

Arizona Cardinals veteran safety Budda Baker's name has been thrown around as the NFL trade deadline approaches. But should it be?

1 day ago

When will Kyler Murray return? Gannon explains what Cardinals want to see first