TEMPE, Ariz. — K1 is officially back at QB1 for the Arizona Cardinals.
Cardinals head coach Jonathan Gannon confirmed Friday that Murray will make his first start this Sunday against the Atlanta Falcons since tearing the ACL in his right knee.
"Honestly, I'm excited for the guy," Gannon said. "I've seen what he had to go through the last eight months or so, however long I've been here. And what he's put into it and how bad he wants to be out there and the competitor that he is, he wants to be out there with the guys and help his team win. So that's what I'm most excited to see."
Murray tore his ACL on December 12, 2022, when the Cardinals played the New England Patriots on 'Monday Night Football.' This Sunday's game comes exactly 11 months to the day since the injury.
Gannon said Murray's return has brought some life to the team, which is currently on a six-game losing streak, as there has been more excitement at practice and more smiles from the players.
"He can make plays and he has the ability to elevate his teammates' game," Gannon said. "So, I think that's what they're excited about and they're excited to get the guy in the huddle too. You know what I mean? They like the guy. We all love the guy. So that's probably why they're smiling a little bit."
Earlier this week when announcing that the Cardinals were planning on Murray returning, Gannon cautioned fans that Murray may not look like the quarterback they are used to when he takes the field on Sunday.
When Murray spoke to the media for the first time this season on Thursday, he said Gannon tried to caution him with a similar warning.
"He told me that to my face and I kind of laughed at him," Murray said. "I understand that thought process, but every time I touch the field, I'm trying to do my things. And that's obviously win, but do it at a high level."
Gannon admitted that Murray was being honest about that reaction.
"Yeah, he laughed right in my face," Gannon said. "He is who he is for a reason."
And now that Murray is officially back, will Gannon miss the daily questions about his quarterback's health?
"When you have a player like Kyler going through what he went through, I understand the questions, I appreciate the questions," Gannon said. "But I am glad that's over."
James Conner playing Sunday?
Murray starting was not the only news to come from Gannon on Friday. While not revealing whether or not running back James Conner would play this week, Gannon did say he is moving in the right direction and having Conner on the field would be a big help for the Cardinals' offense.
"He's our workhorse in the run game," Gannon said. "So it will be good to get him back and it helps not only Kyler, it helps our team."
Conner has been out with a knee injury since Week Five. He was designated to return from the injury list earlier this week, but has not officially been activated.
Gannon also said injured running back Emari Demercado and offensive linemen D.J. Humphries and Will Hernandez are also moving in the right direction, but will likely be gametime decisions for the Cardinals. Kickoff against the Falcons is scheduled for 2:05 p.m.
Arizona sports
The city of Phoenix is home to five major professional sports league teams; The NFL's Arizona Cardinals, NBA's Phoenix Suns, WNBA’s Phoenix Mercury, MLB's Arizona Diamondbacks and NHL's Arizona Coyotes.
The Cardinals have made the State Farm Stadium in Glendale their home turf and the Footprint Center in downtown Phoenix is home to both the Suns and the Mercury. The Indoor Football League’s Arizona Rattlers also play at the Footprint. Phoenix has a soccer team with the USL's Phoenix Rising FC.
The Valley hosts multiple major sporting events on a yearly basis, including college football's Fiesta Bowl and Guaranteed Rate Bowl; the PGA Tour’s highest-attended event, the Waste Management Phoenix Open; NASCAR events each spring and fall; and Cactus League Spring Training.
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