Arizona Cardinals QB Kyler Murray 'could miss HALF of the 2023 season' as he recovers from ACL tear

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Arizona Cardinals quarterback Kyler Murray 'could miss HALF of the 2023 season' after suffering an ACL tear in Week 14 as he will not rush back, allowing his injury to 'heal perfectly' 

Kyler Murray was carted off against the New England Patriots on December 12The Cardinals quarterback will not be ready in time for the start of next season  Click here for all your latest international sports news from DailyMail.com

By Isabel Baldwin For Dailymail.Com

Published: 11:16 EST, 29 January 2023 | Updated: 11:16 EST, 29 January 2023

Arizona Cardinals quarterback Kyler Murray will not be ready for the start of the next season and could even miss half of the games, according to a report. 

Murray was carted off against the New England Patriots on December 12 after suffering a season-ending ACL tear in his right knee.

The 25-year-old started just ten games this season after signing a massive five-year, $230.5million contract extension during the 2022 offseason. 

Arizona Cardinals quarterback Kyler Murray reportedly could miss half of the 2023 season

And, a month and a half since suffering the injury, NFL Network Insider Ian Rapoport reported that Murray will not be healthy in time for the start of the 2023 season in an even bigger blow to the Cardinals.


The quarterback may even miss half of next season as he 'will take his time' to recover. 

'My understanding is he is going to take his time and make sure this thing is 100 percent right,' Rapoport reported. 

'He is young. He's got a long career. He's not going to rush, so do not be surprised if we don't see him to start the season or maybe even by the midway point. This injury has to heal perfectly.'

The former Heisman trophy winner suffered an ACL tear in his right knee against the Patriots

Murray went  3-7 in the games he started and finished this season, with the Cardinals - who made the playoffs last season behind an electrifying offense - languishing to a 4-13 finish. 

The fourth-year quarterback averaged by far the lowest yards-per-attempt mark of his career in 2022 (6.1), while his touchdown percentage (3.6) was also the lowest mark of his career.

Murray threw for 2,368 yards 14 touchdowns and seven interceptions this season, while adding 418 yards and three scores on the ground.

He was replaced by the likes of Colt McCoy, Trace McSorley and David Blough under center as the Cardinals stumbled to the end of the season, losing seven in a row to close the campaign out. 

Murray was replaced by the likes of Colt McCoy (center), Trace McSorley and David Blough

The former Heisman winner and top-overall draft pick signed his contract extension with the team prior to the season, which includes $160 million in guarantees.

But the contract raised eyebrows due to a 'homework clause,' that was first revealed by Rapoport in August. The 'independent study addendum' required Murray to review four hours of game film per week throughout the season. Failing to comply would result in Murray being deemed to 'be in Default,' according to the contract language.

Murray was never accused publicly of failing to prepare for opponents – a process that typically involves a significant amount of film study. Some quarterbacks not only watch the game film, but also help produce individual versions designed for specific teammates, reflecting their individual assignments. 

The 25-year-old signed a five-year, $230.5m contract extension during the 2022 offseason

After an uproar over the revelation, the team eliminated the clause from his contract.

Following their disastrous season, the Cardinals fired head coach Kliff Kingsbury and general manager Steve Keim stepped down. 

Keim took indefinite leave from the team last month for 'health reasons,' but will no longer be returning to the club in Glendale. 

The organization has since hired former Tennessee Titans executive Monti Ossenfort as general manager and have reportedly conducted eight head coach interviews with a major subject said to be Murray's health. 

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