Kyler Murray has moved one step closer to returning to the NFL field after being taken off the Arizona Cardinals’ Physically Unable to Perform list.
Murray has not played since December 12 last year, when he tore his ACL during a non-contact play against the New England Patriots before being carted off the field and later ruled out for the season.
With the Cardinals 1-5 and struggling this season, Murray has now given the team a much-needed boost and will return to practice ahead of this weekend’s game against the Seahawks.
It is still unclear exactly when Murray will return to the field, but his removal from the PUP list is seen as a huge step in his recovery after 10 months on the sidelines.
Additionally, Arizona has also opened the practice window for safety. Budda Baker could return from injured reserve after his hamstring injury.
Kyler Murray watches from the sidelines during the Cardinals’ Week 5 loss to the Bengals
Murray tore his ACL in December during a non-contact game against the Patriots in Arizona
The former Heisman Trophy winner suffered an ACL tear in his right knee against the Patriots
Joshua Dobbs has taken over the QB1 reigns for Arizona this year, but the team is 1-5 so far
The Cardinals have started the 2023 season with Joshua Dobbs as their QB1, backed up by Clayton Tune, and the team will be desperate for Murray to get back on the field.
The 26-year-old started just 10 games last season after signing a massive five-year, $230.5 million contract extension during the 2022 offseason.
Murray went 3-7 in the games he started and finished last season, while the Cardinals — who made the playoffs in 2021 on an electrifying run — languished to a 4-13 finish.
The quarterback averaged by far the lowest yards per attempt of his career in 2022 (6.1), while his touchdown percentage (3.6) was also the lowest mark of his career.
Murray threw for 2,368 yards, 14 touchdowns and seven interceptions this season, while adding 418 yards and three scores on the ground.
When he returns, Murray will certainly be under a lot of pressure to prove his worth with his huge contract looming in the background.
