Kyler Murray return timeline question rises after shocking injury update

Arizona Cardinals quarterback Kyler Murray has been ruled out for the remainder of the 2025 season after his mid foot sprain failed to heal, raising major questions about his future with the franchise. Head coach Jonathan Gannon confirmed the decision on December 5, saying Murray sought additional tests and a second opinion before the team shut him down.

Murray has not played since October 5. His slow recovery, paired with months of speculation about his long term role in Arizona, has intensified talk about whether he has already taken his final snap for the Cardinals.

Latest facts on the Kyler Murray return timeline after season ending update

Jonathan Gannon told reporters that Murray’s foot injury did not show the progress needed to justify a return in 2025. He explained that Murray traveled out of state for further evaluation, which confirmed the team’s concerns about healing speed. The quarterback has been on injured reserve since November 5 after suffering the mid foot sprain in a Week 5 loss to the Tennessee Titans.

Before the injury, Murray completed 68.3 percent of his passes and averaged 192.4 passing yards per game. He added six touchdowns with three interceptions and contributed 34.6 rushing yards per game. Despite those numbers, Arizona’s offense has shown improvement with veteran Jacoby Brissett starting in his place. Brissett is averaging 243.1 passing yards with 13 touchdowns and four interceptions while completing 67.5 percent of his attempts.

That production has fueled conversations across the league about whether the Cardinals may attempt to trade Murray in the offseason. His contract presents challenges, but several analysts, including those referenced by major outlets such as AP and CBS Sports, have suggested that a market could still form depending on coaching changes and quarterback vacancies. One speculation includes a possible reunion with former Cardinals coach Kliff Kingsbury if he takes a new head coaching job after the 2025 season.

The uncertainty comes as Arizona sits at 3 9 following a 1 6 stretch with Brissett under center. Gannon declined to address whether Murray will be the starter in 2026, saying he is focused on the team’s Week 14 matchup against the Los Angeles Rams.

What Murray’s shutdown means for Arizona moving forward

The decision ends Murray’s season and places Arizona at a crossroads. The team has struggled defensively and offensively, but Brissett’s stable play has added a layer of complexity to the long term quarterback plan. The front office faces questions about roster building, contract structure, and the timing of potential moves.

For fans, the uncertainty creates a pivotal offseason where coaching decisions, draft strategy, and organizational direction may all align around the quarterback position. Murray’s return timeline now shifts from a medical focus to a franchise defining debate about his future role.

Murray’s season ending update closes the door on 2025 and opens months of evaluation for both sides. The next steps will shape Arizona’s direction and define Murray’s path entering 2026.

FYI (keeping you in the loop)-

Q1: What is the latest Kyler Murray return timeline?

Murray will not return in 2025. The team confirmed his mid foot sprain has not healed enough for him to play again this season.

Q2: Why was Kyler Murray shut down?

Additional tests showed slower than expected recovery. The decision was made to prevent further injury and allow full offseason rehabilitation.

Q3: Could the Cardinals trade Kyler Murray?

A trade is possible but complicated by his contract. Interest may depend on coaching changes and quarterback openings around the league.

Q4: How has Jacoby Brissett performed in Murray’s absence?

Brissett has produced strong numbers and kept the offense steady. His play has added to the debate about the team’s long term quarterback plan.

Q5: Will Murray be the starter in 2026?

Jonathan Gannon did not commit to that decision. The team will evaluate options during the offseason.