The Arizona Cardinals‘ quarterback situation has been heavily monitored throughout the offseason.
Kyler Murray suffered an injury during the 2022 season, jeopardizing his future status.
Fans have clamored for answers regarding a potential return timeline, which haven’t yet been answered.
According to ESPN writer Josh Weinfuss, one of his sources believes Murray will play this season.
As Weinfuss said, “When Murray returns, however, is the question.”
There's been quite a bit of chatter about the possibility of Kyler Murray not playing at all this season.
"He's playing," a source familiar with the situation told me.
When Murray returns, however, is the question.
— Josh Weinfuss (@joshweinfuss) August 30, 2023
The organization signed him to a five-year contract, tying Murray to the Cardinals until 2028.
While they were impressed with his abilities at one point, the best ability in the NFL is availability.
Murray has missed nine games over the past two seasons due to injuries.
Depending on when he comes back, Murray could miss several more games this season due to his unavailability.
The Cardinals’ success is largely contingent on what Murray can do.
They recently released Colt McCoy, thought to be the team’s starting QB in Murray’s absence.
Now it’ll be up to a combination of Clayton Tune and Joshua Dobbs until Murray comes back, assuming he plays at some point this year.
Many around the league have wondered about the Cardinals’ motives and if they are intentionally tanking the 2023 season.
There are a few elite upcoming quarterbacks in the 2024 NFL Draft class, including highly-touted Caleb Williams.
If the Cardinals are one of the worst teams in the league, they will put themselves in a prime position for a player like Williams.
Only time will tell, revealing the master plan for Murray and the Cardinals in regard to the next 12 months.
NEXT: New Cardinals QB Joshua Dobbs Makes Confident Statement