After falling to Jacksonville in overtime on Sunday, the Arizona Cardinals dropped to 3-8, adding further questions about when quarterback Kyler Murray may return. The 27-24 loss marked the club’s third-straight defeat despite another 300-plus yard outing from Jacoby Brissett. The 32-year-old took a few bumps himself, leaving and re-entering Sunday’s tilt.
As both Arizona quarterbacks mend potential bruises, Murray’s return may be accelerated.
Will Kyler Murray Return to the Starting Lineup?
The former first-overall draft choice has not played since October, with Brissett primarily filling in. Neither quarterback has thoroughly impressed in 2025, leaving much to be desired in terms of the current record.
Regardless, Murray is eager to return, and CBS Sports has the update. Head coach Jonathan Gannon provided insight that could please Cardinals fans. “Working hard to get healthy,” Theo Mackie of The Arizona Republic reports. “That’s what he’s doing right now,” Gannon added. “He’s in every meeting. He’s engaged. He’s rehabbing a boat load of time in there.”
While Murray may be ready to take the field, his injured reserve designation will unfortunately keep him sidelined until at least December 7.
“Having said that, Ian Rapoport of NFL Network reported on Nov. 9 that Murray isn’t expected to start again this season unless an injury befalls fellow QB Jacoby Brissett, who has racked up 1,887 yards, 11 touchdowns and three interceptions in six starts since Murray got injured,” CBS Sports added. “Murray thus may be facing a backup role whenever he’s cleared for game action down the stretch, but he remains embedded in his recovery at the moment.”
With the possibility of moving to a backup role, the likelihood of the former Heisman Trophy winner entertaining a new team could increase. In fact, one of Murray’s ex-teammates believes he has the perfect solution.
Tyrann Mathieu says he can “absolutely” envision a Kyler Murray resurgence next season. Singled out Mike McDaniel and the Dolphins as an ideal landing spot.
“You really want to see him go to a team that really believes in him, that understands him.”
— Kyle Odegard (@Kyle_Odegard) November 25, 2025
Cardinals insider Kyle Odegard reports that Tyrann Mathieu sees Murray on the move, specifically to a team that “understands him,” and has specifically called out the Miami Dolphins. As the Oklahoma product enters uncharted territory in his NFL career, how do he and Brissett stack up, respectively, this season?
How Do Murray and Brissett Compare in 2025?
Murray and Brissett land nearly side by side using PFSN’s QB Impact metric, with Brissett plotting at 19th overall, and Murray landing 21st. Both QBs boast a 75 impact score, earning each a C grade.
The Arizona gunslingers fare similarly in completion percentage at 68.3 (Murray) and 66.8 (Brissett). Brissett has clearly been the better passer, throwing for 1,887 yards and 11 touchdowns. This compares to Murray’s 962 passing yards and six passing touchdowns.
Surprisingly, the offense has drawn up just two fewer designed runs for Brissett than Murray. This translates to 100 rushing yards and a score on the ground for the travelled veteran and 125 yards and a score on the ground for the 5-foot-10 man from Texas.
With the 2025 season essentially on the back burner, what will Arizona do with its quarterback room the remainder of this season and next?
