Kyler Murray’s availability for the Arizona Cardinals’ upcoming game against the Indianapolis Colts remains uncertain after he missed practice due to a foot injury sustained in last week’s game against the Tennessee Titans. Head coach Jonathan Gannon stated, “we’ll see how the week goes,” regarding Murray’s status.
Gannon also addressed whether Murray could play if his mobility is limited. “If he’s healthy enough to play he’ll play,” Gannon said. Murray, who typically addresses the media on Wednesdays, was not made available and is expected to speak later in the week. He appeared to be walking without issue during a brief appearance in the locker room.
In last Sunday’s game against Tennessee, Murray left for two snaps after a mistimed snap resulted in a lost fumble and was hit in the facemask. After returning, he completed four of seven passes for 26 yards and handed off seven times but was sacked once. Gannon noted that some plays were omitted from the playbook out of consideration for Murray’s condition.
Backup quarterback Jacoby Brissett may start if Murray cannot play. Brissett has experience with Indianapolis, having started 30 games for them earlier in his career. Last season, he started five games with New England before rookie Drake Maye took over as starter.
Gannon praised Brissett: “(Jacoby) is a true pro, and I know that term gets thrown around, but when you are in his seat, the quarterback position is the hardest position in sports and to know that you are one play away from your role changing, you really have to be on the details. He has a smile on his face. He loves to practice. He loves to prepare. He loves to play.
“He’s a great football player, a great teammate, a really good leader and if he’s gotta play, he’s gotta play.”
Brissett has thrown only one pass this season—an incompletion during which tight end Tip Reiman suffered an ankle injury that ended his season. The Cardinals have also been short-handed at running back with James Conner and Trey Benson both on injured reserve.
Left tackle Paris Johnson Jr. expressed confidence regardless of who starts at quarterback: “It might be different talking to me as opposed to say, talking to Marvin (Harrison), whether the quarterback is Kyler, whether it’s Jacoby, whether it’s (a media member), I can’t even see you,” Johnson said. “All I see is the man in front of me. I’m going to do my job regardless and I’m sure the rest of the guys in the (offensive line) room feel the exact same way.
“We fully trust Jacoby and the pocket presence he has. He’s been in this league this long for a reason.”
Coach Gannon also commented on being fined by the team following an incident with running back Emari Demercado after Demercado dropped what would have been a 72-yard touchdown run just short of scoring: “you take accountability and move on.” Tackle Paris Johnson Jr., who supported Demercado during that moment on Sunday, said: “I’m young but I guess I’m a little old school,” Johnson said. “I believe in tough coaching and holding accountable. But I think the team received (the JG apology) well. JG, I love the approach, I love the toughness. That’s just Ohio ball. He’s from Cleveland… At the same time, being able to pick up Emari, that balance too… We are back doing our thing, and the juice and energy is good from everybody.”
The Cardinals officially placed tight end Tip Reiman on injured reserve as previously announced by Gannon earlier this week; they signed Nick Muse to their practice squad while releasing safety Patrick McMorris from it; there is now an open spot on their 53-man roster.
