PHX Reporter

The Arizona Cardinals are still determining who will serve as their backup quarterback, despite the starting position being secured by a healthy Kyler Murray. As the team approaches its final preseason game in Denver on Sunday, the competition between Clayton Tune and Desmond Ridder remains unresolved.

Clayton Tune has shown better statistics and seemingly had a more productive camp compared to Desmond Ridder. However, both head coach Jonathan Gannon and offensive coordinator Drew Petzing have emphasized that no decision has been made yet. A report from NFL.com indicated that Tune would start against the Broncos with Ridder coming in later, but Petzing downplayed its significance.

"I know people are going to make a big deal of who starts the game, but I don't see it that way," Petzing said. "Competition at every position is going to come down to final cuts. That's the reality of training camp. I expect to see those guys play at a high level regardless of who is in there first."

Murray has not participated in any preseason games, and for the first time in recent memory, the Cardinals are not carrying a fourth quarterback. This situation has allowed Tune and Ridder to take all snaps during practice and games. Through two preseason games, each player has had an equal share of playing time.

Tune has completed 23-of-34 passes for 242 yards while Ridder has thrown only 19 passes, completing 10 for 114 yards. On the ground, Ridder has rushed for 38 yards on six carries compared to Tune's 24 yards on four carries. Tune also boasts one touchdown pass and one rushing touchdown; neither player has committed any turnovers.

In an ideal scenario, whoever is chosen as QB2 would not need to play this season.

"The reality of the NFL game is that guys get hurt," Petzing said. "It's unfortunate but it's real. The quarterback position had what, 60-plus starters last year? You want everyone on that roster, if they have a jersey, to be ready to go, ready to give us the best chance to win."

Last season saw Murray sidelined initially with Josh Dobbs eventually named QB2 after Colt McCoy's injuries disrupted initial plans. Over recent years, backups have frequently stepped into significant roles due to injuries among starters.

Desmond Ridder brings experience with 17 starts over two years in Atlanta while Clayton Tune's sole start was as a rookie last season—a challenging shutout loss in Cleveland. According to Petzing, Tune benefits from his additional year in the system which allows him quicker decision-making during plays.

"Year One... you can almost watch them think as they play," Petzing noted regarding rookies like Tune last year.

Despite these factors favoring both candidates differently, no final decision on QB2 has been made yet.

"We are going to make a decision based on what they do while they are here," concluded Petzing.