Kyler Murray Returns to Action in Preseason
The Cardinals plan to have their quarterback, Kyler Murray, play in Saturday’s preseason game against the Kansas City Chiefs. This will be the first time Murray has played in the preseason since 2021. Coach Jonathan Gannon informed the team on Monday night that the starters would participate in this year’s preseason, a change from last season, when most of the starters didn’t play, with the exception of Marvin Harrison Jr., who only played three snaps.Last season, Arizona chose not to play key players such as James Conner, Trey McBride, Michael Wilson, Greg Dortch, the entire offensive line, Budda Baker, Jalen Thompson, Zaven Collins, and Mack Wilson, among others.I think it’s the best thing for our team this year, honestly. We’re in a good place with our health. We’re in a good place with our development and I think that’s this year with our team. It’s the best thing we can do for our players.
Jonathan Gannon
The last time Murray played in the preseason, curiously, was against the Chiefs four years ago. In that game, he had seven dropbacks, completed one of four passes for two yards, was sacked twice, and ran once for eight yards. He also played in three of the four preseason games as a rookie in 2019.
Gannon hasn’t yet defined how much time Murray and the starters will play on Saturday night.Gannon’s announcement about Saturday’s plans generated enthusiasm in the Cardinals’ meeting room on Monday night, according to wide receiver Zay Jones.We have a plan, but it won’t be set in stone until these next three days pass. You never know what’s going to happen in these three days. Your team’s health also influences it, but we have a plan in mind. But that can also change, honestly, mid-game. However, I feel good about it.
Jonathan Gannon
Jones, who is entering his ninth season, has played in 15 preseason games throughout his career, but did not participate in any of the Cardinals’ three last season due to a five-game suspension for violating the NFL’s personal conduct policy. For Jones, 30 years old, playing in the preseason has value, especially for the younger players.I think it’s good for us to get out and experience something live, face someone who isn’t your own team and have those competitive reps and be able to evaluate them afterwards and then see, ‘OK, where are we as a position group, as a unit, as a team, what do we need to improve?’ And it will be exciting for other players to have the opportunity to showcase their ability as well.
Zay Jones
For Gannon and the rest of the coaching staff, playing the starters in the preseason gives them a better opportunity to evaluate them. According to Gannon, it’s “the best form of learning where growth can take place.”I know that for me, initially, as a younger player, as a rookie, those were games where I could look back and evaluate myself and have that experience. Maybe have some confidence to say, ‘OK, I’ve done this before.’ I remember my first game was against Minnesota and then against Philadelphia and then having those reps. That’s my personal experience, but every person is different and no week repeats itself. So I think how you use it can be beneficial to you. I think it all comes down to who the man is who decides that.
Zay Jones
I want to see how we operate, make sure we’re doing the right things. And, again, we’re not game-planning. We’re not going to game-plan against Kansas City, Denver, or Las Vegas, so it’s really about us and making sure we’re learning from those reps. Everybody, not just the ones, also the twos and the threes.
Jonathan Gannon
