Arizona Cardinals QB Kyler Murray prioritizing recovery, no set return date

Kyler Murray Press Conference | Arizona Cardinals Back Together Weekend

Arizona Cardinals quarterback Kyler Murray is still unsure about his return to the field after his ACL injury sustained on December 12.

On Saturday, the 25-year-old quarterback spoke to the media for the first time since he suffered a right knee injury during a “Monday Night Football” game against the New England Patriots last December.

Murray mentioned that he is taking it “one day at a time” to rehab, per reports. He said he is steadily progressing in his recovery while trying to learn a new offensive system during the training camp. Although Murray hopes to be back for Week 1, he admits that he is uncertain if it is possible.

“Obviously, me being the competitor I am, do I want to miss any time? No,” Murray said. “It’s not on my mind, but we’re not even in August yet. So, I’m taking it one day at a time.”

Struggles with injury, rehab

Murray described the initial two weeks following his injury seven-and-a-half months ago as excruciating, almost like “hell.” It was the first time he had ever experienced such a severe injury.

He hadn’t anticipated the pain following the surgery, making sleeping difficult and limiting his ability to move around. The experience of relying on someone else’s assistance during the early stages of immobility caught him off guard.

“Once you go through it, or if you haven’t gone through it, you don’t really know what to expect,” he said. “So, got better every day, though.”

Murray also expressed uncertainty about how much practice time he will require to prepare for his return fully. Despite this, he has been gradually increasing his running activity and has reached a point where he can perform cutting movements.

The journey to this stage, however, has not been easy. Murray admitted that throughout his rehabilitation, he had faced numerous mental challenges. For instance, he had to rely on a physical therapist to help him bend his knee for the first time as he was afraid to do it himself.

Furthermore, each time he achieved a new milestone, like being in the weight room or attempting new movements like jumping, he felt hesitant and apprehensive.

“We’re preparing the body, we’re preparing the mind to be able to do those things,” Murray said.

“I do think the first time I’m out there maybe I might be [hesitant] but with the reps, I think the confident will grow and grow.”

Despite missing all OTAs, minicamp and the first week of training camp, Murray asserted that he had not fallen behind in learning the Cardinals’ new offense. He has been adapting to new offensive coordinator Drew Petzing’s scheme.

Murray mentioned that he has become more comfortable with longer play calls. According to him, the play calls are much wordier than what he’s used to, but he’s gradually getting the hang of it.

“I’m picking it up pretty fast, pretty well. I think the coaches would say so, as well. We’re doing things to allow me, again, to learn faster,” he said.

“So, if I wasn’t taking the reps mentally and just spitting it out, like at home, in the mirror, to the coaches, whatever it is, in the meetings, then, yeah, I’d probably be behind but the fact that we’re on it and we’re constantly doing it, it’s been easy.”

Murray also expressed excitement about taking on a substantial role under center in Petzing’s offense. He welcomes Arizona’s plan to focus more on establishing the run than their past approach.