Week 10 will be a momentous one for the Arizona Cardinals. They are expected to get their franchise quarterback, Kyler Murray, back in the lineup after he suffered a torn ACL and some meniscus damage on December 12th, 2022.
It cost him the first nine games of the 2023 season, but he is on track to return to the starting lineup this weekend against the Atlanta Falcons. While it can be an emotional event, Murray is attempting to stay as even-keeled as possible.
“I’m kind of emotionless,” Murray said about his feelings while speaking with media members on Thursday, per Eric Edholm of the NFL.com. “Not trying to get too high, get too low. It’s been a long, long 10 months.”
Murray, a two-time Pro Bowler, could be auditioning for other teams upon his return to the field. There has been talks of the Cardinals new brain trust of general manager Monti Ossenfort and head coach Jonathan Gannon trading Murray and selecting a quarterback in the first round of the 2024 NFL Draft.
Ossenfort and Gannon were not part of the organziation when Murray signed his record-setting five-year extension reportedly worth $230.5 million with $160 million guaranteed. However, there are some reports that state the new Cardinals’ brain trust believes Murray is their long-term answer at the position.
“I think we see things the same way,” Murray said about his relationship with Gannon. “The competitiveness is there, and he loves the game. I know he loves the game. He understands the game. We just see eye to eye.”
Right now, the Cardinals are projected to have the No. 1 pick in the 2024 NFL Draft. At 1-8, they are tied with the Carolina Panthers for the fewest victories in the league. The New England Patriots and New York Giants are still in the race for the top pick as well with two victories apiece.
If Murray can regain his form he has shown the first four seasons in the NFL, that position in the draft will assuredly change. He is talented enough to help the Cardinals win a few games, which could drastically change their plans for the 2024 offseason.
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