Arizona Cardinals owner believes Murray returns by midseason

Arizona Cardinals owner Michael Bidwill stated on The David Pasch Podcast that be believes quarterback Kyler Murray returns sooner than later.

It's no secret Arizona Cardinals quarterback Kyler Murray will most likely miss a few games in 2023 thanks to a torn ACL. The upside, however, is that Murray may not miss as much time as some initially thought, if owner Michael Bidwill has anything to say about it.

During an interview on The David Pasch Podcast, Bidwill offered his take on the subject. Here is what he had to say:

""I think (his return) is going to be earlier than this midseason, so hopefully, it's toward the beginning of the season, but I don't want to put any specific dates. There could be setbacks, the progress could slow. But he's a young man, it looks like he is a fast healer, things are going well. Let's hope that keeps going the way it is.""

- Michael Bidwill, via NFL.com.

There could be some truth to Bidwill's statements as opposed to wishful thinking. Murray has already been working out at the Cardinals facility, which of course is a major step forward.

Arizona Cardinals quarterback could be back sooner than we think

While it would be great to see Murray return sooner than later, it still doesn't mean the Cardinals shouldn't go after a quarterback in free agency. There are plenty of serviceable options available who, at worst, will serve as a high-end backup.

If Murray returns and reverts back to his early season 2021 form, expect the Cards to play better than advertised. While he may need to embark without star receiver DeAndre Hopkins if the Redbirds trade the 30-year-old, the fact that head coach Jonathan Gannon and offensive coordinator Drew Petzing plan to build around Murray could speak dividends for the fifth-year quarterback's growth.

We know what Murray can do when encouraged to play a vintage, backyard-style game. But far too often under former coach Kliff Kingsbury, Murray instead dropped back to pass 35-plus times per game in the ill-fated "Air Raid" offense. So when Murray returns, don't be surprised if he looks more like his 2021 self than the version we saw last season.

Source: Michael Bidwill: Cardinals need to 'figure out' QB room with Murray, McCoy recovering from injuries by Kevin Patra, NFL.com