Arizona Cardinals quarterback Kyler Murray is getting close to returning to action for the team this season after he suffered a torn ACL in the 2022 season.
Murray, who has been practicing in full – a sign that he’s no longer limited by his knee injury – could see some snaps in Week 9 against the Cleveland Browns.
However, rookie Clayton Tune is expected to start for the Cardinals after the team traded away Joshua Dobbs at the deadline.
Barring a significant change of plans, #AZCardinals rookie Clayton Tune is expected to start this week, sources say. Kyler Murray may still play, but next week is more likely as of now.
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) October 30, 2023
Even if Murray does play, it may be just for a series or two, as the team wants to help get him back in game shape. How does that affect his status for this week, and how should we bet on the Cardinals as well?
Kyler Murray injury status for Week 9 game vs. Cleveland Browns
The Cardinals may activate Murray this week – as noted by NFL insider Ian Rapoport – but the team is treating the past few weeks as more of a mini-training camp for the star quarterback.
From The Insiders on #NFLPlus: Taking a look at when #AZCardinals QB Kyler Murray may play and what it means. pic.twitter.com/MAAqrtQnXB
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) October 30, 2023
Murray is more likely to start in Week 10 of this season against the Atlanta Falcons, as Tune will be under center in Week 9. It’s possible that Murray does not show up on the team’s injury report this week.
Best Arizona Cardinals bet for Week 9 if Kyler Murray doesn’t play
Total UNDER 37.5
With Deshaun Watson dealing with a shoulder injury for Cleveland, there’s a chance that P.J. Walker and Tune are the starting quarterbacks in this game.
That screams “bet the under” to me, especially since the Browns have had one of the NFL’s better defenses so far this season.
It’s a low total at just 37.5 points, but a rookie quarterback like Tune may struggle enough where Arizona isn’t contributing much to that total.
If you do plan on betting on this game, make sure to take advantage of the new customer offer at DraftKings Sportsbook. New users who sign up with the link below will instantly receive $200 in bonus bets if they deposit and wager $5 on any game.
Kyler Murray injury history
- Dec. 2019: Thigh Hamstring Sprain/Pull – returned next game
- Nov. 2020: Shoulder A/C Joint Sprain – did not miss a game
- Oct. 2021: Pedal Ankle Sprain Grade 2 – missed three games
- Oct. 2022: Thigh Hamstring Strain Grade 2 – missed two games
- Dec. 2022: Knee ACL Tear Grade 3 – missed rest of season and Weeks 1-8 this season
When is Kyler Murray coming back?
Since Arizona activated his practice window last week, Murray has three weeks to be activated by the team to return this season. It seems like the latest reports suggest that he’ll start in Week 10 for the Cardinals, but we may see him get some reps in Week 9 as well.
Arizona Cardinals next 5 opponents
- Atlanta Falcons, Sunday, Nov. 12
- Houston Texans, Sunday, Nov. 19
- Los Angeles Rams, Sunday, Nov. 26
- Pittsburgh Steelers, Sunday, Dec. 3
- San Francisco 49ers, Sunday, Dec. 17
Arizona Cardinals injury report
#Browns #Cardinals injury report for Wednesday: pic.twitter.com/3zwuYXSJ3D
— Mary Kay Cabot (@MaryKayCabot) November 1, 2023
Cleveland Browns injury report
#Browns #Cardinals injury report for Wednesday: pic.twitter.com/3zwuYXSJ3D
— Mary Kay Cabot (@MaryKayCabot) November 1, 2023
Game odds refresh periodically and are subject to change.
Find Peter Dewey's betting record here.