Arizona Cardinals quarterback Kyler Murray will not be participating in any of the team’s preseason games this year. Despite being healthy, Coach Jonathan Gannon has made the decision to keep Murray on the sidelines in order to focus on preparing for the regular season. Gannon expressed confidence in Murray’s progress and believes that sitting out the preseason will allow him to be at his best when the regular season kicks off.
With Murray out of the preseason lineup, backups Clayton Tune and Desmond Ridder will have the opportunity to showcase their skills on the field. Both Tune and Ridder have been competing for the backup quarterback position during training camp, and Gannon described their competition as “very healthy.” The upcoming joint practices with the Indianapolis Colts will provide additional opportunities for evaluation before the regular season begins.
Gannon emphasized that the preseason depth charts may not accurately reflect the team’s plans for the regular season. The coaching staff will be evaluating players based on a variety of factors, including performance during practices, joint practices with other teams, and individual player development. Gannon stressed that the ultimate goal is to make decisions that are in the best interest of the team as they prepare for their Week 1 matchup against the Buffalo Bills.
While some starters may see playing time in the preseason, Gannon explained that those decisions will be made on a case-by-case basis. Factors such as age, health, competition for roles, and overall team strategy will all be taken into consideration when determining playing time for the starters. Gannon expressed some concern regarding the readiness of players who do not participate in the preseason games, highlighting the importance of being in top physical condition for the regular season opener.
As the Cardinals continue to prepare for the regular season, Coach Gannon remains focused on ensuring that the team is in the best possible position to succeed. While Kyler Murray’s absence from the preseason lineup may have raised some questions, Gannon’s decision reflects a calculated approach to player management and team preparation. As the team looks ahead to their opening game against the Buffalo Bills, Gannon’s emphasis on evaluating players, prioritizing player health, and strategic decision-making will be crucial in shaping the Cardinals’ success in the upcoming season.