4:43pm: Gannon said this afternoon (via team reporter Darren Urban) Murray won’t practice this week. Evaluation on this case will proceed with Murray’s status still unclear.
9:54am: Kyler Murray gave the impression to be nearing a return to full health following a foot injury when it became clear he wouldn’t resume starting quarterback duties upon being medically cleared. Shortly thereafter, the Cardinals moved him to injured reserve.
That call ensured an absence of at the least 4 weeks. As early as Wednesday, though, Murray could return to practice. Head coach Jonathan Gannon was asked by ESPN’s Josh Weinfuss if the team plans on opening Murray’s practice window this week, but he replied, “I’m undecided.”
Since Gannon revealed Murray wouldn’t immediately reprise his starting role upon being cleared, speculation has understandably increased a few parting of the way happening this coming offseason. Murray is already owed $36.8MM in guaranteed salary for 2026, so a trade or release would have major cap implications. The previous No. 1 pick’s base salary ($19.5MM) is ready to vest in March, so a choice will should be made by that time.
A recent report indicated the Cardinals could elect to retain the present regime featuring Gannon and general manager Monti Ossenfort and in doing so allow for a reset under center. Gannon and Ossenfort were each hired in 2023, well after Murray had been drafted. 12 months 3 of the Ossenfort-Gannon tandem has not gone to plan, and Arizona sits at 3-9 on the 12 months. That leaves the Cardinals as one in all the teams already eliminated from playoff contention and a possible candidate to pick a passer in the course of the opening round of April’s draft.
Murray’s entire seven-year profession has taken place in Arizona, but a change in organizational direction could leave him on the move relatively soon. The 28-year-old could be an interesting goal for other teams in search of at the least a short-term move on the position, but in fact his market value will likely be heavily influenced by his health. Receiving clearance for the top of the campaign could be a welcomed development for all involved.
The approaching days will thus be necessary with respect to Murray’s status over the closing weeks of the season. A return to full health – even with none accompanying playing time – would add an interesting layer to Arizona’s final games of 2025. Whether or not the team plans to open Murray’s practice window within the near future will likely be value monitoring.