Arizona Cardinals QB and fantasy football superstar Kyler Murray is once again heading into the weekend questionable after missing last week. Let’s take a look at Murray’s latest injury status and examine whether or not he is playing in Week 10 against the Panthers.
Update: Kyler Murray is inactive for the Cardinals Week 10 matchup against the Carolina Panthers.
Is Kyler Murray playing today vs. the Panthers?
The answer to that question is still somewhat up in the air. After Murray traveled to San Francisco in Week 9, he wound up being inactive. However, this week, Murray at least managed to get back on the practice field on Friday.
While he was just a limited participant, the fact he was partaking is a positive step after not participating for five consecutive practice sessions.
Still, his presence at practice does not mean that Murray will definitely be active. The Cardinals may have just wanted to have him practice a little to put doubt into the Panthers’ planning ahead of their Week 10 matchup. Additionally, Murray may come up sore after practicing and be held out.
A final option is that the Cardinals have Murray active as the emergency QB. They have Colt McCoy and Chris Streveler on the roster, but Murray could play if the Cardinals need a spark. That seems an unlikely option, but it’s not impossible. The current feeling around the NFL is that while the Cardinals will take it to game-time, Murray will likely be inactive.
What is the fantasy impact if Murray is active?
The Cardinals’ skill position players actually performed well for the most part, despite Murray being inactive last week. Murray’s presence should boost those players from a fantasy perspective, but maybe not as large as many expected heading into last week.
Additionally, a limited Murray could actually hinder the fantasy potential of James Conner. While McCoy is not the most agile QB, he could potentially be more threatening with his legs than if Murray is less than 100%. We saw Murray hesitate to run with the ball at times when playing injured last season. If he is active, fantasy managers need to consider he may not be his usual self.
There is also a risk in trusting Murray with the Cardinals kicking off in the 4 PM ET window. If Murray is ruled inactive, there will be limited options fantasy managers can turn to. Unless you have a player on your bench also playing in those final six games this weekend, Murray might be too much of a risk.
Colt McCoy would start if Murray was absent
If Murray is unable to play, the Cardinals would turn to McCoy as the starter. In some ways, the Cardinals may actually prefer if they could win without exposing Murray. Arizona sits atop the NFC at 8-1 and has their bye in Week 12.
Murray’s injury was originally tabbed as a 1-3 week ailment. If they could get through the next two games with McCoy, the Cardinals could give Murray four weeks to get fully healthy for an important stretch run.
During the final six weeks of the season, the Cardinals have to go on the road to the Bears, Lions, and Cowboys. They also host the Rams, Colts, and Seahawks.
The matchups against the Rams and Cowboys especially could have huge playoff implications. If Arizona can win both of those games, they would give themselves a great chance at clinching the No. 1 seed in the AFC. However, if they lose the next two weeks while resting Murray, they risk losing their current grip on that top seed.
McCoy produced a strong performance in Week 9
McCoy demonstrated his value as a veteran backup in Week 9. He completed 22 of 26 passes for 249 yards and a touchdown. McCoy also added 23 yards on 7 carries. Considering the team was without star WR DeAndre Hopkins and lost starting RB Chase Edmonds on their first offensive snap, McCoy’s performance was impressive.
McCoy has had a mixed career, and eyebrows were raised when the Cardinals added him as the backup to Murray. Yet, his poise and control against the 49ers were crucial in a huge victory for the Cardinals. Arizona would ideally not want McCoy starting in playoff games, but in a contest against the 4-5 Panthers, that might be preferable to putting Murray out at less than 100%.