Cardinals Move Forward with Jacoby Brissett as Kyler Murray Heads to IR
The Arizona Cardinals are facing a significant shift in their quarterback situation as Kyler Murray has been placed on injured reserve with a mid-foot sprain, an injury he’s been battling since Week 5. This move means that veteran backup Jacoby Brissett will remain under center for at least the next four weeks, continuing his leadership role after an impressive showing on “Monday Night Football” against the Dallas Cowboys. Head coach Jonathan Gannon described the decision to place Murray on IR as “collective” and emphasized that the injury isn’t season-ending. “We got a lot of ball to play, and one day at a time,” Gannon stated, expressing optimism about Murray’s eventual return this season while acknowledging the importance of the quarterback focusing on his recovery during this period.
While losing a franchise quarterback to injury is never ideal, Brissett’s performance against Dallas provided a significant silver lining for the Cardinals. The journeyman quarterback showcased his capabilities by throwing for 261 yards and two touchdowns with an impressive 115.1 passer rating in the team’s 27-17 victory, snapping a five-game losing streak. This performance has given the Cardinals organization confidence that they have a capable leader at the helm during Murray’s absence. The team’s current 3-5 record reflects a season that could have gone differently had some of their close games turned out in their favor, but Brissett’s steady hand offers hope that they can remain competitive in the coming weeks.
The nature of Murray’s injury appears particularly challenging given his playing style. Coach Gannon acknowledged that the quarterback’s dynamic running ability could be complicating his recovery timeline. “Obviously, for him, it prevents him from being fully healthy to go play,” Gannon explained, adding that Murray has already played through conditions that might sideline players at other positions. This context helps explain why a cautious approach with the former first overall pick makes sense, even if it means temporarily handing the reins to Brissett. The team is clearly prioritizing Murray’s long-term health over any short-term benefits of rushing him back before he’s fully recovered.
Looking ahead at their schedule, the Cardinals face a challenging stretch of games during Murray’s absence. Their upcoming opponents include division rivals in the NFC West-leading Seattle Seahawks and the San Francisco 49ers, followed by matchups with the Jacksonville Jaguars and the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. If all goes according to plan with Murray’s recovery, he could potentially return for the December 7 game against the Los Angeles Rams. This timeline gives Murray approximately a month to heal properly while allowing Brissett an opportunity to build on the momentum from the Cowboys victory and potentially keep the Cardinals in the playoff conversation as the season progresses.
For Brissett, this situation represents the quintessential backup quarterback scenario – stepping in during a critical juncture and being asked to maintain the team’s competitiveness. His career has been defined by these moments, having previously filled in for injured starters with the New England Patriots, Indianapolis Colts, Miami Dolphins, and Cleveland Browns. Monday night’s performance against Dallas demonstrated why he’s been a valued backup throughout his career, displaying poise, accuracy, and leadership when called upon. The Cardinals’ confidence in Brissett is evident, and his veteran presence could prove valuable for a team looking to stay relevant in a competitive NFC West.
The Cardinals’ season now stands at a crossroads. At 3-5, they remain within striking distance in their division if they can string together some wins with Brissett leading the offense. The team’s ability to defeat a talented Cowboys squad suggests they have the potential to compete with anyone on their schedule. While Murray’s absence is certainly a setback, it also presents an opportunity for other players to step up and for the team to demonstrate its resilience. As Brissett takes command for the next month, the Cardinals will be looking to build on their recent success and potentially position themselves for a late-season push when Murray returns. Their immediate focus turns to Seattle, where they’ll face a division rival that currently sits atop the NFC West standings.
