NFL Rumors: Arizona Cardinals Quarterback Kyler Murray Could Return in Week 9

The Arizona Cardinals may finally have their franchise quarterback back in the fold on Sunday. The team officially listed Kyler Murray as questionable on their final injury report, indicating the one-time Pro Bowler could see his first game action of the season against the Cleveland Browns.

Game Status vs. Browns pic.twitter.com/OfrkiAUiUj
— Arizona Cardinals (@AZCardinals) November 3, 2023

Murray has been unavailable since tearing his ACL in a Week 14 loss to the New England Patriots during the 2022 season. He ended his year with career lows in net yards per attempt (5.24) and passing yards per game (215.3) while winning only three of his 11 starts.

The Cardinals made Murray one of the league's highest-paid quarterbacks following a breakout 2021 season that saw the team finish 11-6 and reach the playoffs for the first time since 2015. Unfortunately, his injury and ugly 2022 season have reportedly made the Cardinals question his future with the team.

At only 5'10" but with elite speed and elusiveness, Murray is an exciting and endearing novelty at the quarterback position, but he simply hasn't proven he can help a team play consistently winning football. The Cardinals are comfortably below .500 since drafting him first overall in 2019, and they've yet to finish better than 11th in scoring in any season he's led them as a passer.

The Cardinals currently sit at 1-7, putting them square in contention for a high pick in a draft that reportedly features an elite quarterback class. How they proceed in the coming weeks will reveal how committed they are to Murray. They could prioritize his long-term health and future with the team, or they could set him up for failure by rushing him back. In either case, Murray could be fighting for his job the next time he steps on the field.