Kyler Murray to make first start for Cardinals in 11 months

Kyler Murray to make first start for Cardinals in 11 months،

Josh Weinfuss, ESPN editorNovember 10, 2023, 5:19 p.m.
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TEMPE, Ariz. – It’s official. Arizona Cardinals quarterback Kyler Murray will start Sunday against the Atlanta Falcons, marking his return from an ACL injury that has kept him sidelined for the past 11 months.

Coach Jonathan Gannon made the announcement Friday morning, dispelling any doubt about Murray’s status.

“Honestly, I’m excited for this guy,” Gannon said. “I’ve seen what he’s had to go through over the last eight months or so – however long I’ve been here – and what he’s put into it and how much he wants to be there and the competitor that he is.

“He wants to be with the guys and help his team win. So that’s what I’m most looking forward to seeing.”

Murray tore the ACL in his right knee Dec. 12 during the Cardinals’ third offensive play of “Monday Night Football” against the New England Patriots. He had surgery on January 4. Murray missed all of the Cardinals’ offseason activities and began the season on the physically unable to perform list. Arizona opened its practice window on Oct. 18 and activated him to the 53-man roster on Tuesday.

On Sunday, it will be exactly 11 months to the day since Murray’s injury.

Arizona is 1-12 since Murray was injured, but Gannon said the quarterback has the ability to elevate his teammates.

“I think that’s what they’re passionate about,” Gannon said. “They’re also excited to have the guy in the band, you know what I mean? They like this guy. We all like this guy, so that’s probably why they’re smiling a little .”