Kyler Murray’s return to the Arizona Cardinals’ lineup is imminent, pending the team’s decision on the right timing.
Officially, Murray is no longer injured, as he was removed from the injury report on Thursday. This development is a positive sign in his recovery from a torn ACL suffered late last season.
Although Murray’s absence from the injury report does not guarantee that he will start against the Baltimore Ravens on Sunday, it is another encouraging step towards his return.
The Cardinals have been prudent in not rushing Murray’s return. Given that the Cardinals did not have Super Bowl aspirations this season, they saw no need to jeopardize the health of their $230 million quarterback. Murray was taken off the physically unable to perform list and resumed practice on October 18th, triggering a 21-day window for his activation to the roster. The fact that he has been removed from the injury report indicates that he is in good condition.
Cardinals head coach Jonathan Gannon has been secretive about his quarterback decision for Week 1, and it is likely that he will maintain a similar approach regarding news on Murray’s return to the lineup. He did not provide much information about Murray’s status on Wednesday.
“Just continue with our business and process, get him out there today, and see how things unfold,” Gannon told the media on Wednesday.
If Murray is not yet back this week, it is understandable. The Cardinals have been cautious and want to ensure that he is fully prepared before reintegrating him into the lineup. They have been taking it one step at a time, and so far, all the steps have been positive in the past couple of weeks.
