Analysis
12/12/22
2 min read
Cardinals' Kyler Murray Carted Off on Monday Night Football With Non-Contact Injury
Arizona Cardinals quarterback Kyler Murray went down with a non-contact injury within the first two minutes of Monday night's game against the New England Patriots and was immediately carted off the field. After the game, Kliff Kingsbury stated, "Doesn't look good. We'll know more in the morning." It is feared that Murray suffered a serious knee injury.
Non-contact injuries in football are common and are often devastating. He was announced as questionable to return but this injury could very well end Murray's season for the Cardinals, who turned to Colt McCoy in relief.
Murray signed a 5-year, $230.5 million extension last offseason that solidified him as the team's franchise quarterback and centerpiece of the future. Considering that his mobility and escapability are a such a crucial part of what makes him a dynamic offensive weapon, a long-term lower body injury might have implications that impact him once he returns from injury.
Murray entered Monday night having completed 66.3% of his passes this season for 2,359 yards, 14 touchdowns and seven interceptions. He also added 415 yards rushing and 3 touchdowns rushing on the year.
Murray's injury also puts an already murky future for the Cardinals' top brass further into question. Arizona has already had what many have considered a disappointing season thus far, sitting outside of the NFC playoff hunt and putting GM Steve Keim and HC Kliff Kinsgbury squarely on the hot seat.
In the 36-year-old McCoy, Arizona has a capable backup who started two previous games this season in Murray's absence. With a 34:30 career TD:INT ratio, however, McCoy is unlikely to lift the team out of the pack of NFC bottom-dwellers over their final four games.
The Cardinals close the season with contests against the Broncos, Buccaneers, Falcons, and 49ers.
