Kyler Murray Remains on PUP List
The Arizona Cardinals have reached a decision on their quarterback situation with less than two weeks left before the start of the regular season. Head Coach Jonathan Gannon announced on Monday that star quarterback Kyler Murray will not be activated off the physically unable to perform (PUP) list before the 4 p.m. ET deadline on Tuesday.
Murray’s Status and Implications
Murray’s placement on the PUP list means that he will be sidelined for a minimum of the first four games of the regular season. Once activated, he will have a 21-day window to practice and be added to the 53-man roster; otherwise, he will have to remain on the PUP list for the entire season.
Colt McCoy Released
In another significant move, the Cardinals have released veteran quarterback Colt McCoy. This decision comes just a day before the team is required to finalize their roster to 53 players. McCoy, who signed with the Cardinals in 2021, had been serving as the first-team quarterback during spring, training camp, and preseason games while the team awaited Murray’s return from ACL surgery.
Reasoning Behind McCoy’s Release
According to Gannon, the Cardinals thoroughly assessed McCoy’s performance and body of work, leading them to conclude that it was in the best interest of the team to start the season without him. The evaluation encompassed various factors, including McCoy’s performance during OTAs, training camp, and preseason games.
Murray’s Recovery Plan
Kyler Murray suffered a knee injury in Week 14 of the previous season and underwent surgery in January. Despite his initial goal of returning for Week 1, Murray’s availability remains uncertain, and the Cardinals are not yet certain how much practice he will need before being ready for regular-season play.
The Alternative Quarterback Options
With Murray unavailable for Week 1, the Cardinals are likely to choose their starting quarterback from Joshua Dobbs and fifth-round draft pick Clayton Tune. Gannon did not reveal the Week 1 starter between Dobbs and Tune, indicating that the team has a strategic plan in place for making the decision.
Dobbs’ Arrival and Potential
Joshua Dobbs, acquired through a trade with the Browns, is considered a potential candidate for the starting role. Despite not having played a game snap with the Cardinals, Dobbs’ familiarity with offensive coordinator Drew Petzing’s scheme from their previous time together in Cleveland is seen as a valuable asset.
Conclusion and Game-Day Decisions
As the Cardinals finalize their roster, the quarterback situation continues to evolve. Gannon noted that the decision on whether to have a third quarterback active on game day is still under consideration. The team’s focus remains on preparing for the upcoming season and making strategic choices that will contribute to their success on the field.
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