It’s been a long road back for Kyler Murray since tearing the ACL in his right knee on Dec. 12, 2022. He’s missed 12 Arizona Cardinals games since. But on Wednesday, the Cardinals finally got the news they’d been waiting for, with Murray designated to return from the physically unable to perform list.
This move had been hinted at in the past few days, especially after coach Jonathan Gannon spoke about how close Murray was to a return earlier this week during a radio appearance. But rumors are one thing, Murray actually being activated today, is entirely different.
With the move, the Cardinals have officially opened Murray’s 21-day practice window, giving him three weeks to get up to full speed before being thrust into the starting lineup. While Murray has 21 days, it doesn’t mean he’ll need all of them.
As Coach Gannon explained, Murray’s already “full-go,” meaning he’s expected to participate fully in Cardinals practices from here on out. Yet, that doesn’t mean he’s already in game shape or has the ideal amount of chemistry built up between his receivers as they continue mastering first-year coordinator Drew Petzing’s offense.
Murray’s return is fantastic news for everyone involved with the Cardinals except Joshua Dobbs, who’s been filling in as the starting quarterback for the first six games. Yet, Murray isn’t expected to be in the lineup in time for Sunday’s battle with the Seattle Seahawks, meaning Dobbs should get at least one more chance to show what he can do.
While Murray returning to the practice field is great news, he’s not the only star player the Cardinals are getting back.
Two-time All-Pro safety Budda Baker has also been activated off injured reserve after missing the past four weeks with a hamstring injury. Yet, with the Cardinals at 1-5, one wonders how much longer the five-time Pro Bowler will remain in Arizona. Teams will surely have interest in a trade for the star safety.
Related: See where Josh Dobbs lands in Sportsnaut’s NFL QB rankings