When will Kyler Murray play next? Coach says Arizona Cardinals QB is 'fully healthy'
Arizona Cardinals quarterback Kyler Murray appears set to make his season debut this week.
Despite being labeled by coach Jonathan Gannon as "full healthy" heading into the Cardinals' Week 8 loss against the Baltimore Ravens, Murray did not make his return from a torn ACL in his right knee. But Gannon announced Monday that Murray will start Sunday’s game at the Cleveland Browns if everything goes well this week in practice.
If Murray is unable to go, rookie Clayton Tune will make the start instead, Gannon said. If Murray starts, Tune will be the backup.
What did Cardinals coach say about Kyler Murray last week?
Gannon said Murray has been doing "excellent" from a mental standpoint.
"The ball jumps off of his hand. He’s explosive getting out of the pocket. He’s accurate. He has good command of the offense right now. And he threads the needle pretty well on some certain throws," Gannon said of Murray’s performance in practice since his return.
When Murray returns, he’s not expected to wear a knee brace, Gannon said.
What’s next for Kyler Murray?
When Murray plays, the Cardinals will first have to activate him from the reserve/physically unable to perform list. NFL teams typically make those decisions on Saturdays.
Murray has not played since he tore his ACL against the New England Patriots on Dec. 12.
The Cardinals have compiled a 1-7 record with Joshua Dobbs at quarterback, but Arizona shipped Dobbs to the Minnesota Vikings before Tuesday's trade deadline. Murray’s return could change Arizona’s outlook this season.
Bob McManaman of the Arizona Republic, part of the Paste BN Network, contributed to this report.