The Arizona quarterback’s foot injury hasn’t healed properly since October, leaving his future with the franchise in serious question
Arizona Cardinals quarterback Kyler Murray will not take another snap this season as his lingering foot injury has failed to heal properly, head coach Jonathan Gannon confirmed Friday. The decision officially closes the book on what has become perhaps the most disappointing campaign of Murray’s seven-year NFL career.
Murray originally suffered the foot injury during the Cardinals’ October 5 loss to the Tennessee Titans and hasn’t appeared in a game since that defeat. The 28-year-old quarterback was eligible to return from injured reserve this week, but the team chose not to open his practice window after additional medical evaluations revealed insufficient progress.
Gannon explained that Murray underwent further testing this week and traveled out of state to receive a second medical opinion on the injury. The results made it clear that returning this season wouldn’t be feasible or advisable for the former number one overall draft pick.
Troubling numbers define abbreviated campaign
Murray’s 2025 season consisted of just five games before the injury ended his year prematurely. During that limited action, he completed 68.3 percent of his pass attempts for 962 yards while throwing six touchdowns against three interceptions. While the completion percentage appeared solid on paper, the overall production fell well short of expectations for a franchise quarterback in his prime years.
The home loss to Tennessee in week five, during which Murray sustained the foot injury, stands as one of the most disappointing performances in Cardinals franchise history. The defeat dropped Arizona’s record and set the stage for what would become a lost season for both the quarterback and the organization.
Brissett steps in as Cardinals continue struggling
Veteran journeyman Jacoby Brissett took over the starting quarterback duties following Murray’s injury and has provided mixed results for the struggling Cardinals. While Brissett has statistically outperformed Murray and gotten more playmakers involved in the passing game, wins have remained elusive for Arizona.
The Cardinals currently sit at 3-9 overall and have posted a disappointing 1-6 record with Brissett under center. The team has dropped four consecutive games heading into Sunday’s matchup against the division rival Los Angeles Rams at home. Despite Brissett’s improved statistical performance compared to Murray’s limited action, the offense hasn’t translated those numbers into victories.
Murray’s uncertain future in Arizona
The most pressing question surrounding Murray’s season-ending injury involves his long-term future with the Cardinals franchise. When asked whether he expects Murray to return next season, Gannon deflected by stating he’s currently focused on preparing for the Rams game, avoiding any definitive statement about the quarterback’s status.
Murray’s tenure in Arizona has become a subject of intense debate both locally and nationally over recent months, and that discussion will likely intensify throughout the offseason. The Cardinals selected him with the first overall pick in the 2019 NFL Draft with expectations that he would lead the franchise deep into playoff contention. Instead, Murray has compiled a 38-48-1 record as a starter and lost his only postseason appearance, a lopsided defeat to the Rams in 2021.
Contract complications add another layer
Murray remains under contract with Arizona through 2028, though the final year includes a team option. He’s scheduled to earn $36.8 million next season, and if he remains on the roster through March 22, his $19.5 million salary for 2027 becomes fully guaranteed. These financial considerations will factor heavily into any decisions the Cardinals make regarding Murray’s future with the organization.
The franchise now faces critical decisions about whether to commit to Murray moving forward or explore other options at the quarterback position. With Arizona holding a 94 percent chance to pick in the top 10 of the 2026 NFL Draft according to playoff simulators, and a 40 percent chance of landing in the top five, the Cardinals could potentially pursue a franchise quarterback prospect if they decide to move on from Murray.
The remainder of the 2025 season will serve as an extended evaluation period for Brissett and the Cardinals’ offense, while Murray focuses on rehabilitation and an uncertain future in the desert.