-
Josh Weinfuss, ESPN Staff Writer
TEMPE, Ariz. — The Arizona Cardinals now have a clearer understanding of their quarterback situation less than two weeks before Week 1.
Cardinals coach Jonathan Gannon announced on Monday that Kyler Murray won’t be activated off the physically unable to perform list (PUP) before Tuesday’s 4 p.m. ET deadline.
Starting the season on the PUP list means Murray will miss at least the first four games. Once he’s activated, he’ll have 21 days to practice and be added to the 53-man roster. Otherwise, he’ll remain on the PUP list for the entire season.
In addition, the Cardinals decided to release quarterback Colt McCoy on Monday, a day before the roster cutdown to 53 players. This move comes after acquiring quarterback Joshua Dobbs via trade four days ago. McCoy had been the first-team quarterback throughout the spring, training camp, and preseason while Arizona awaited Murray’s return from ACL surgery.
Gannon stated that the Cardinals carefully evaluated McCoy’s overall performance and made the decision to move forward without him.
Murray suffered a knee injury in Week 14 of last season and underwent surgery in early January. He had expressed a desire to return by Week 1, but now it seems unlikely. The Cardinals are uncertain about the amount of practice Murray will need before he’s ready to play in a regular-season game.
If Murray misses the first four games, Gannon confirmed that his rehab plan will remain unchanged. Health is the top priority, so the coaching staff will structure his day and week accordingly.
With McCoy released and Murray unavailable for Week 1 against the Washington Commanders, the Cardinals will decide between Joshua Dobbs and fifth-round pick Clayton Tune for the starting quarterback position.
Gannon refused to name a starter on Monday, stating that Arizona has a well-defined plan to evaluate both quarterbacks in practice over the next two weeks. They will make a decision, but it won’t be publicly announced until later.
Tune served as the second-string quarterback for most of the spring, training camp, and preseason.
Dobbs, who was acquired from the Browns in a trade last week, has previous experience working with current Cardinals offensive coordinator Drew Petzing and quarterbacks coach Israel Woolfork during their time together in Cleveland.
The Cardinals had considered signing Dobbs during the offseason and were familiar with his abilities. When the opportunity to trade for him arose, they seized it.
Gannon explained that Dobbs provides mobility, a strong understanding of the offensive system, and the ability to make plays both inside and outside the pocket. These were qualities the Cardinals were seeking in a quarterback.
While it may be challenging for Dobbs to come in as a new player and start in Week 1 without any game experience with the Cardinals, Gannon is confident in his familiarity with Petzing’s scheme, which can be immensely valuable.
When asked about whether the Cardinals have decided to have a third quarterback active on game day, Gannon responded, “We’re still sorting through it.”
Denial of responsibility! VigourTimes is an automatic aggregator of Global media. In each content, the hyperlink to the primary source is specified. All trademarks belong to their rightful owners, and all materials to their authors. For any complaint, please reach us at – [email protected]. We will take necessary action within 24 hours.
