The quarterback situation in the Arizona Cardinals just got more complicated. They placed Kyler Murray on injured reserve on Wednesday, but the timing and circumstances create more drama than a simple foot injury explanation provides.
Kyler Murray Sent to IR
Kyler Murray Sent to IR (Image Via Instagram/@k1)
Jonathan Gannon called it a “collective decision” whileexpressing hope Murray returns this season. That phrasing sounds diplomatic for a franchise facing uncomfortable questions about their $230.5 million quarterback.
Arizona Cardinals coach Jonathan Gannon says QB Kyler Murray is going on IR.
Decision was reached last night/this morning. Says Murray can return this season.
— Doug Haller (@DougHaller) November 5, 2025
The foot sprain from Arizona’s October 5 loss to Tennessee now requires at least four games on the sidelines.
Gannon told reporters last week that Murray was close to starting against Dallas or, at the very least, playing a significant role. Now Murray lands on IR less than seven days later.
“This pivot, I would say, is completely predicated on the information that we have now and his health,” Gannon explained.
That sudden shift from almost ready to a four-week minimum absence raises eyebrows. Either the medical information changed dramatically in a matter of days, or Arizona decided the quarterback controversy needed resolution through separation.
Jacoby Brissett stirred the conversation by winning. The 32-year-old veteran, who signed in the offseason, has started four straight games.
Monday night’s win over Dallas ended a five-game losing streak. Brissett keeps Arizona’s offense moving efficiently, even without Murray’s usual explosiveness.
Jacoby Brissett’s Success Creates Uncomfortable Reality
The Cardinals sit 3-5 with Seattle, San Francisco, Jacksonville and Tampa Bay ahead. They need wins to climb back into division contention. Gannon acknowledged Murray isn’t healthy enough to help them get those victories.
“We’re never going to put a guy out there that doesn’t feel good about going out there, mentally and physically,” he said.
Murray is only in the second year of his five-year extension, worth over $230 million. That contract represents Arizona’s massive investment in him as their franchise quarterback.
Watching a backup perform well while their expensive starter stays sidelined creates organizational tension.
Gannon stressed Murray’s commitment to recovery. “He’s fully committed right now, and he’s going to concentrate on getting healthy,” the coach said.
That sounds like damage control for asituation that has spiraled beyond simple injury management.
The IR designation locks Arizona into Brissett for at least a month. Week-to-week guesses about Murray’s return are now over.
Kedon Slovis backs up Brissett while Murray rehabilitates away from the active roster.
Arizona’s front office faces tough questions about Murray’s future, regardless of how well his foot heals. They may have committed to the wrong quarterback.
Brissett’s success is pushing the team to consider trade options. Murray’s injury history makes him a risky choice to build a franchise around.
Those questions linger over the next month as Brissett gets his extended audition. Murray’s health matters, but his standing in Arizona depends on what happens while he’s gone.