The Arizona Cardinals’ decision to place Kyler Murray on injured reserve prompted swift reaction from fans and pundits, who framed the move as a cautious but consequential shift for the franchise. Responses ranged from relief that the club is prioritizing Murray’s health to anger that the timing signals dwindling patience with his long-term role.
Murray’s foot injury has lingered for weeks, and the team designated him limited at practice before making the IR move official. Backup Jacoby Brissett has started in Murray’s absence and helped the offense produce improved third‑down efficiency and explosive plays, fueling debate over whether Arizona should press forward with Brissett even after Murray is medically cleared.
Arizona Cardinals, Kyler Murray, NFL
Oct 5, 2025; Glendale, Arizona, USA; Arizona Cardinals quarterback Kyler Murray (1) looks to throw against the Tennessee Titans during the second quarter at State Farm Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Matt Kartozian-Imagn Images
Social channels lit up with fans calling the IR placement a “soft bench,” arguing the team is effectively sidelining Murray without publicly committing to a full change. Others defended the decision, noting the club also added veteran Jeff Driskel to the practice squad to boost depth and protect the roster against further setbacks during a critical stretch of games.
Local coverage framed the development as a turning point for a season already at a crossroads, with Arizona’s front office weighing playoff odds against long‑term roster strategy. Analysts pointed out that Brissett’s recent performance increases the plausibility of a permanent reevaluation of the quarterback position, especially if the Cardinals fail to recapture form when Murray returns.
The optics of placing a high‑profile, highly paid starter on IR also raised questions about trade value and roster flexibility. Commentators noted that extended absences lower a player’s marketability, and that a strong finish from Brissett would complicate future decisions for general manager Monti Ossenfort and the coaching staff.
NFL Fans React to Arizona Cardinals’ Decision to Bench Kyler Murray
Arizona Cardinals, Kyler Murray, NFL
Oct 5, 2025; Glendale, Arizona, USA; Arizona Cardinals quarterback Kyler Murray (1) warms up before their game against the Tennessee Titans at State Farm Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Joe Camporeale-Imagn Images
Fans have shared their thoughts about Arizona’s decision to bench Murray recently. These reactions can be seen in a post shared by Adam Schefter on Instagram.
“A soft benching,” a fan said. “This may be a soft benching on the field, but it’s a hard start in the COD lobbies,” another joked.
A supporter mentioned, “they need kyler. let’s not be foolish. kyler is the guy when healthy. Briss is a backup for a reason.”
“they need kyler. let’s not be foolish. kyler is the guy when healthy. Briss is a backup for a reason,” a follower remarked.
“He played his last game for them lol,” a commenter posted.
“This is concerning,” a sixth social media user reacted.
For now, the Cardinals have signaled a pragmatic approach: protect Murray’s recovery while pursuing immediate competitiveness under Brissett. Whether that strategy satisfies an anxious fan base or accelerates a larger organizational shift will depend on results over the next month.
USATSI 27214292 scaled
Sep 25, 2025; Glendale, Arizona, USA; Arizona Cardinals quarterback Kyler Murray (1) against the Seattle Seahawks at State Farm Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images
In the meantime, Arizona must balance medical prudence with competitive urgency as it navigates a pivotal stretch of the schedule. Fans will be watching closely for signs that the move was prudent medicine or the start of a deeper roster reset.
Arizona Cardinals, Kyler Murray, NFL
Sep 25, 2025; Glendale, Arizona, USA; Arizona Cardinals quarterback Kyler Murray (1) against the Seattle Seahawks at State Farm Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images
For More Of My Content
For More Of My Content Follow me on Twitter at @BeatKit22. You may also reach out to me personally at kitguinhawa@gmail.com. To read more of our articles and keep up to date on the latest in college and NFL news, click here!