Will Kyler Murray Be Ready for Training Camp? Cardinals Coach Takes It Day by Day
GLENDALE, Ariz. — Arizona Cardinals coach Jonathan Gannon isn’t making any promises about quarterback Kyler Murray’s availability for training camp, but he’s not ruling it out either.
“We’ll see,” Gannon said during his first news conference of training camp. “I’m taking it day by day honestly.”
Murray suffered a torn ACL in his right knee while scrambling against the New England Patriots on Monday Night Football on December 12. He was placed on the PUP (Physically Unable to Perform) list on Wednesday as he continues to rehab from knee surgery he had in January.
Despite the injury, Murray has been making progress and had an “excellent job this summer,” according to Gannon.
“The man looks incredible,” running back James Conner said of Murray.
During the Cardinals’ first practice of training camp, Murray was on the field in street clothes, observing his teammates.
Gannon acknowledged that Murray has had both good and bad days during his rehab.
“He has really good days,” Gannon said. “He has some bad days, too — just like anybody else that’s gone through that injury.”
As for when Murray will be ready to return, Gannon hasn’t set a specific timeline. The average recovery time for a torn ACL is typically nine to 12 months, depending on various factors such as the complexity of the surgery, the player’s injury history, and their position. Gannon will rely on Murray to communicate when he feels ready to come back.
“When he tells me,” Gannon said.
One of Murray’s training partners this offseason was tight end Zach Ertz, who also landed on the PUP list on Wednesday.
Ertz, who suffered an ACL injury on November 13, expressed his goal of returning in the next couple of weeks. He will undergo a “return to play” test around that time to determine if he’s ready to start practicing.
“There’s a bunch of milestones that I want to hit and have to hit before the first game or whatever, whether it’s Week 1, Week 4,” Ertz said. “To me, it’s just being at my best when I’m out there.”
Although Ertz believes it’s not unrealistic to be ready for Week 1, he acknowledges that there is still a lot of work to be done between now and September 10, the season opener against the Washington Commanders.
The Cardinals and their fans are eagerly awaiting Murray’s return to the field. As the team’s star quarterback, his presence is crucial for their success. However, they understand the importance of patience and allowing him to fully recover before rushing him back into action.
Murray’s determination and work ethic have been evident throughout his rehab process. He has been dedicated to his recovery and has shown significant progress. The Cardinals coaching staff and medical team will continue to monitor his condition closely and make decisions based on his well-being.
In the meantime, the Cardinals will rely on backup quarterbacks and focus on preparing the rest of the team for the upcoming season. Training camp will be an opportunity for other players to step up and showcase their skills.
As the Cardinals embark on their journey towards the new season, the uncertainty surrounding Murray’s availability adds an extra layer of intrigue. Fans will eagerly await updates on his progress and hope for a speedy recovery. Until then, they can take solace in knowing that Murray is doing everything he can to get back on the field and lead the team to success.