Arizona Cardinals quarterback Kyler Murray was carted off the field after suffering a non-contact knee injury on the team’s first drive of Monday night’s game against the New England Patriots.
Cardinals coach Kliff Kingbury said on ESPN that Murray will not return to the game. Colt McCoy replaced Murray at quarterback.
December 13 Update: ESPN’s Adam Schefter reported that Murray did, in fact, suffer a season-ending torn ACL on the third play of Monday night’s game vs. the Patriots.
Kyler Murray Injury Update
“Yeah it’s tough,” Kingsbury said. “He’ll be out the rest of the game. That’s all I know right now. You hate to see that. Guys got to rally around Colt and hopefully we can get it done.”
Murray’s knee buckled as he made a cut on a quarterback keeper on the Cardinals’ third play from scrimmage. Murray went to the ground immediately.
It was quickly obvious that this was not a minor issue, and medical staffers called for the cart. As he was taken into the locker room, Murray put a towel over his head. The ESPN broadcast team said that he was emotional when taken in for further examination.
“When a knee collapsed with change of direction like that, the biggest concern is an ACL injury,” Jessica Flynn, a sports medicine doctor who is active on Twitter, wrote after watching the video. “Hopefully not the case.”
Shortly after 10:30 p.m. ET, ESPN’s Adam Schefter tweeted, “Cardinals’ QB Kyler Murray is scheduled to undergo further testing on his knee Tuesday, but as one source said tonight, ‘it doesn’t look good.'”
If Murray did indeed tear his ACL, he’ll need reconstructive surgery. Rehab for such a procedure is 9 to 12 months.
Murray, Cardinals Outlook Moving Forward
Murray’s injury comes as the Cardinals clung to the thinnest of playoff hopes. They entered the game with a 4-8 record and just a 1% chance of reaching the postseason, per Five Thirty Eight. Those chances would drop to zero with a loss.
The last thing that Kliff Kingbury needs is a significant injury to his starting quarterback. Kingsbury entered Monday’s game with a career 28-32-1 record, and his seat is getting hotter by the week.
If there is a silver lining, it’s this: Murray has already secured his financial future. He was determined to get a massive contract extension this past offseason, and the Cardinals ultimately agreed on a five-year, $230 million extension that runs through 2028.
Murray this year has completed 66% of his passes for 2,368 yards, 14 touchdowns, and 7 interceptions.
McCoy is a more than capable backup. While he certainly doesn’t have Murray’s mobility, McCoy entered Monday’s game having completed more than 70% of his passes with a passer rating of 86.4.