ESPN Announcement: Kyler Murray Will Not Be Returning to NFL Field This Season Due to Injury
In a stunning development, ESPN reports that Arizona Cardinals quarterback Kyler Murray will not return to the NFL field for the remainder of the 2024 season due to a significant injury. The 26-year-old signal caller, who had been recovering from an ACL tear sustained during the 2023 season, is now facing an extended rehabilitation process that will keep him sidelined for the rest of the year. The injury, coupled with complications in his recovery, has put Murray’s future for the 2024 season in jeopardy, leaving the Cardinals to regroup as they move forward without their franchise quarterback.
**The Injury Setback**
Kyler Murray initially tore his ACL during a December 2023 game, when the Cardinals were still in the thick of a rebuilding phase under head coach Jonathan Gannon. The tear was a significant blow to the team, as Murray had been the centerpiece of the offense since being selected as the No. 1 overall pick in the 2019 NFL Draft. While ACL injuries are common in the NFL, their recovery timeline can vary, with most athletes requiring around 9 to 12 months before being able to return to full activity. Murray’s case, however, has proven to be more complicated.
According to sources close to the team, the rehab process for Murray has been slower than expected. After undergoing surgery to repair the torn ACL, Murray encountered additional complications, including swelling and stiffness in his knee, which delayed his recovery. Despite the Cardinals’ initial optimism about his progress in the offseason and preseason, it became clear as the regular season progressed that Murray would not be able to return as quickly as the team had hoped. After another round of medical evaluations in late October, it was confirmed that Murray would need more time to heal, pushing his potential return beyond the 2024 season.
ACL injuries can be particularly challenging for quarterbacks, whose ability to move in and out of the pocket and plant their foot while throwing is essential for success. Murray, known for his dual-threat ability—combining elite passing with a unique rushing threat—faces an even more complex rehabilitation process. His playing style, which depends heavily on his mobility and speed, makes it more difficult for him to return to his peak form after such a serious knee injury.
Murray has shown an admirable commitment to his recovery, working tirelessly with the Cardinals’ medical staff and trainers. However, the decision to shut him down for the rest of the season came after discussions with specialists, who advised that continuing to push for a return would not only be detrimental to his long-term career but could also risk further damage to the knee. The recovery process for an ACL tear typically includes months of strength training, flexibility exercises, and controlled movement before athletes can even think about returning to full-speed activities. For a quarterback like Murray, regaining confidence in his knee and trusting his mobility on the field will take time.
Murray’s 2024 season was supposed to be one of redemption—a year to prove his worth as the leader of the Arizona Cardinals after a tumultuous 2023 campaign. The Cardinals entered the season in full rebuilding mode, with a new head coach, Jonathan Gannon, at the helm and a roster full of young talent eager to make a name for itself. Murray, who had signed a massive contract extension in 2022, was expected to be the driving force behind the offense and a critical piece in the team’s long-term plans.
However, with Murray now sidelined for the entire season, the Cardinals’ hopes of a quick turnaround have taken a major hit. The team has relied on backup quarterbacks, including veteran Colt McCoy and rookie Clayton Tune, to keep things afloat. While neither has been able to replicate Murray’s explosive playmaking ability, they’ve provided some stability in an otherwise difficult season.
For Murray, the injury represents a significant setback, not only in terms of his health but also his career trajectory. Since being drafted in 2019, Murray has been viewed as one of the most talented quarterbacks in the league, capable of changing the game with his arm and legs. However, his tenure with the Cardinals has been marked by inconsistency, with his leadership, decision-making, and durability all coming into question at times. This injury, paired with a lost season, raises questions about how it will affect his future in Arizona.
With Murray out for the 2024 season, the Cardinals now find themselves in a precarious position. Arizona was already in the midst of a rebuild, and while the team has shown flashes of promise with key players like wide receiver Marquise Brown and defensive standout Buda Baker, the loss of their franchise quarterback is a major blow to their plans.
The Cardinals are now faced with the reality that their 2024 campaign will be a year of uncertainty at the quarterback position. The front office and coaching staff must decide whether they will continue to ride out the remainder of the season with their current quarterback rotation or explore options through the draft or free agency in 2025. The team is currently in line for a high draft pick, which could be used to either further bolster their roster or even look for a new quarterback to build around for the future.
While it’s clear that Murray remains a key piece of the franchise’s long-term plans, the team’s ability to navigate the quarterback position without him this season will be telling. The Cardinals’ front office is already under pressure to make wise decisions regarding their roster, and the decision on Murray’s future in Arizona may ultimately hinge on how quickly he can return to form after the ACL injury.
For Kyler Murray, this season is shaping up to be one of the most challenging of his career—not just physically, but mentally and emotionally. Murray has faced intense scrutiny throughout his career, from questions about his leadership to concerns about his maturity and commitment. This injury, along with the prospect of missing an entire season, will likely add to the pressure and frustration Murray may feel as he tries to recover and re-establish himself as one of the top quarterbacks in the NFL.
However, Murray has shown resilience throughout his career, overcoming doubters at every turn. His ability to focus on his recovery, stay motivated, and regain his previous form will be critical not only for his personal success but for the Cardinals’ future success as well.
Kyler Murray’s injury marks a disappointing chapter in what was supposed to be a season of redemption for the Arizona Cardinals quarterback. After tearing his ACL in December 2023, Murray will now miss the entire 2024 NFL season, forcing the team to continue without their franchise player. The news has sent shockwaves through the Cardinals’ fanbase, leaving many wondering about the future of the team and the direction the franchise will take in the coming years. While Murray’s recovery is expected to extend into 2025, the road back to the field will not be easy. The decision to shut him down for the rest of the season is a prudent one, but it also means the Cardinals will have to make some tough decisions about their quarterback situation moving forward. For Murray, the focus now will be on regaining his health and preparing for a comeback, one that will determine the next phase of his career.
