Kyler Murray has moved a 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 on 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 is set to return to practice ahead of the game against the Seahawks this weekend.
It is as yet unclear when exactly 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.
Furthermore, Arizona has also opened the practice window for safety Budda Baker to return off injured reserve following his hamstring injury.
Kyler Murray watches on from the sidelines during the Cardinals’ Week 5 loss to the Bengals
Murray tore his ACL in December during a non-contact play 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 the QB1 reigns for Arizona this year, but the team are 1-5 thus 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 take to the field again.
The 26-year-old started just 10 games last season after signing a massive five-year, $230.5million contract extension during the 2022 offseason.
Murray went 3-7 in the games he started and finished last season, with the Cardinals – who made the playoffs in 2021 behind an electrifying offense – languishing to a 4-13 finish.
The quarterback averaged by far the lowest yards-per-attempt mark 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 value, with his huge contract looming large in the background.
