The Arizona Cardinals remain mired in a challenging stretch of the season, and the uncertainty surrounding Kyler Murray’s return continues to impact the team’s outlook.
His recovery timeline, his availability, and how the organization handles the quarterback position moving forward all contribute to a situation that feels both clearer and more uncertain at the same time.
Kyler Murray Injury Update
Murray has been out since October with a mid-foot sprain, and his placement on injured reserve prevents him from playing before December 7.
PFSN’s Alex Hanczar reported that head coach Jonathan Gannon stated Murray is “working hard to get healthy,” emphasizing his full engagement in meetings and the extensive rehab workload he has undertaken. The Arizona Republic’s Theo Mackie also noted Gannon’s reinforcement that Murray has remained locked in during the recovery process.
ESPN added further detail when Gannon described Murray’s IR placement as a “collective decision,” reiterating that the injury is not season-ending. “We got a lot of ball to play,” he said, adding that Murray must “pour into his health bucket” to position himself for a return later this year.
However, CBS Sports introduced a complicating factor. Citing Ian Rapoport, the outlet noted that “Murray isn’t expected to start again this season unless an injury befalls fellow QB Jacoby Brissett,” suggesting that Murray may return as a backup when medically cleared.
Statistically, PFSN’s QB Impact metric provides a clearer look at how both quarterbacks have performed in 2025. Murray carries a 75.0 impact score with a season rank of 21st. Through five games, he has completed 68.3 percent of his passes, thrown six touchdowns and three interceptions, and averaged 192.4 passing yards per game. His mobility remains evident with 173 rushing yards and one rushing touchdown.
Brissett holds a slightly higher 75.2 impact score and ranks 19th using the same metric. In eight games, he has 235.8 passing yards per game and the same interception total, while producing 11 passing touchdowns. His rushing production includes 100 yards and one touchdown.
Hanczar also reported that former Cardinal Tyrann Mathieu believes Murray may ultimately thrive elsewhere, mentioning the Miami Dolphins as a team that “understands him,” hinting at a possible future beyond the Cardinals.
For now, the certainty ends at the date. Murray cannot return before December 7, and what happens afterward depends on his health, Brissett’s status, and how the Cardinals evaluate their long-term direction in a season that has left them with difficult decisions and limited clarity.
Arizona Cardinals’ Insights for Week 13
Team:Â Arizona is one loss from its fourth straight losing season.
QB: Jacoby Brissett has passed for 769 yards in the last two games. It’s the most yards in a two-game span in his ten-year career.
Offense:Â Arizona is one of three teams not to score at least 28 points in one game this season.
Defense:Â The Cardinals have allowed 112 points during their current three-game losing streak
Fantasy: Trey Benson sounds close to returning, and after non-QB Cardinals ran 17 times for 35 yards against the Jags, this is a team that could use it. Benson should be viewed as the clear-cut workhorse in Arizona when the team deems him healthy enough to be active.
