Adam SchefterESPN Senior Writer3 Minute Read
Analyzing Kyler Murray’s Return to Practice: Insights from Pat McAfee
Pat McAfee discusses the significance of Kyler Murray returning to practice for the Arizona Cardinals.
Murray, who recently resumed practice after tearing his ACL in December last year, could potentially have $29.9 million of his 2025 salary guaranteed if he can’t pass a physical by March next year.
To ensure Murray’s health by March 2024, the Cardinals face the tough decision of whether to play him or not, with the latter option being undesirable for the team.
Moreover, Murray will face challenging defenses, including the Browns, Ravens, 49ers, Steelers, Rams, and Eagles, upon his return. These teams possess talented defensive lines.
For now, Murray will not play against the Seahawks this Sunday, and the Cardinals haven’t determined a specific return date. They have until November 8 to activate Murray to the 53-man roster, with their Week 10 home game against the Falcons being the latest he could potentially return this season.
Murray, aged 26, inked a five-year extension in July 2022, keeping him under contract until the 2028 season with $160 million guaranteed for injury.
Oftentimes, injury guarantees in a player’s contract could influence a team’s decision to keep him on the sidelines. Last year, for instance, the Raiders opted to bench quarterback Derek Carr to avoid any financial risk in his contract.
Carr had signed a three-year, $121.5 million contract extension in the previous spring, but if he had suffered an injury, his $32.9 million salary for 2023 and $7.5 million of his 2024 salary would have become fully guaranteed. To protect $40.4 million of guaranteed money, the Raiders sent Carr home and essentially brought an end to his time with the franchise.
Last Wednesday, the Cardinals announced that Murray was designated to return from the physically unable to perform list, commencing his 21-day window to be activated to the 53-man roster. The former No. 1 overall draft pick participated in some first-team reps and started working in Arizona’s huddle. However, the Cardinals haven’t disclosed a specific timeline for Murray’s return.
“It’s really exciting for me,” said Cardinals left tackle D.J. Humphries. “Just seeing him running around… I can tell he’s heading in the right direction. When I saw him join the huddle, I had to contain my excitement because he was trying to stay calm and composed.”
Murray’s return will ultimately be an “organizational decision,” according to Cardinals coach Jonathan Gannon. He also emphasized that Murray will play a pivotal role in those discussions.
This Sunday, Joshua Dobbs will continue as the starting quarterback as the Cardinals (1-5) face the Seahawks (3-2). Dobbs has been the starter for all six games this season, completing 62.8% of his passes for 1,215 yards, six touchdowns, and three interceptions.
